In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Thursday wrote to the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, seeking urgent intervention over the proposed absorption of an Assistant Registrar at the University of Ladakh.

In a detailed representation, JKSA’s Ladakh State President, Mohd Hassanain Rocky, conveyed concerns raised by members of the academic fraternity and job aspirants regarding the reported move to absorb a deputed Assistant Registrar who has been serving at the University for nearly five years. He noted that the initial deputation tenure was two years under Govt. Order No. 915-JK (GAD) of 2020 dated 05/10/2020, and any extension beyond that period should have been formally notified and placed in the public domain in keeping with established administrative procedures.

Rocky further pointed out that of the three sanctioned posts of Assistant Registrar, only two were advertised under Notification No. 05 of 2023 dated 14/12/2023, while the third is reportedly being considered for absorption. He said this raises serious questions about compliance with University statutes, UGC regulations, and the principles of open competition and merit-based selection particularly in a region where educated unemployed youth view the University as a key avenue for fair public employment.

Referring to a 2022 precedent in which an external committee reviewed the proposed absorption of three Assistant Professors and found it legally untenable without open advertisement and due process, the Association stressed that rules must be applied uniformly. Selective departures from procedure, it cautioned, risk eroding governance standards.

Rocky also observed that reports of informal or discretionary administrative measures have caused anxiety among stakeholders. Even the perception of irregularity, he said, can weaken confidence in a young institution that is still shaping its academic and administrative foundations.

He added that over 30 faculty members and academic professionals from Ladakh are currently serving outside the region. Allowing absorption through deputation without a clearly defined and uniformly applicable policy could invite similar claims in the future, potentially creating a complex and unsustainable precedent.

In its letter, the Association urged the Lieutenant Governor to direct the University to clarify the status of the third Assistant Registrar post and disclose the legal basis, if any, for the proposed move; to ensure that all appointments or regularisations strictly adhere to statutory provisions; and to issue a public statement reaffirming its commitment to fairness and transparency.

The Association maintained that the University of Ladakh symbolises opportunity and aspiration for the youth of the Union Territory, and that decisions taken at this formative stage will shape its credibility for years to come. It expressed hope that due process and accountability will be upheld, reinforcing public trust in Ladakh’s higher education institutions.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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