JK MONITOR - PUCA welcomes deferment of NEET requirement for B.PT & B.OT admissions; calls it major relief for students

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

I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at In Loving Memory · Dr. Priya Ranjan

When he appointed me Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), he never made me feel like an employee. He treated me as a younger brother—with warmth, trust and respect. His guidance was generous, his encouragement sincere, and his door was always open whenever I needed help or advice. I will remain deeply grateful for the confidence he placed in me and for all that he taught me.

Dr. Ranjan was a rare and noble human being: kind-hearted, humble and always ready to help. He was also a visionary intellectual whose ideas reached beyond the immediate moment. He brought together deep knowledge, curiosity and a belief in using one’s abilities to make a meaningful difference.

The tributes from his students and colleagues speak of the same qualities I was fortunate to experience myself: a brilliant mind joined with a compassionate heart, and a mentor who made people feel valued. His influence lives on in the people he guided, the work he inspired and the many lives he touched.

For me, he will always be more than a respected chairman or a remarkable intellectual. He will be the elder brother who welcomed me, believed in me and guided me with affection. I will carry his lessons and his kindness with me always. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and never forgotten.

(Ajmer Alam Wani)

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October 2026

Details: Written by: JK Monitor News Network; Category: Bridging the World; Published: 08 March 2026

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA) has welcomed the decision of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, vide File No. Z-1011/2026/NCAHP(AHS)/FTS No. 126 dated 02.03.2026, regarding admissions to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.OT) courses.

Dr. Anshu Kataria, President, PUCA, Chairman Aryans Group of Colleges Rajpura Near Chandigarh stated that a large number of students pursue paramedical and allied health sciences courses as they are unable to afford expensive medical programmes like MBBS. He said that making NEET mandatory at this stage would have created unnecessary pressure and confusion among students.

Adv Amit Sharma, Senior Vice President PUCA mentioned that in India, around 24 lakh students register for the NEET-UG exam every year, and approximately 23 lakh students actually appear for the examination. Out of these, about 13 lakh students qualify by scoring above the cutoff marks. However, despite such a large number of qualified candidates, India has only around 1 to 1.1 lakh MBBS seats, making medical admission highly competitive.

As per the notification, the mandatory requirement of appearance in NEET (UG)-2026 for admission to B.PT and B.OT programmes for the Academic Session 2026–27 has been deferred till 2027–28 due to logistical challenges highlighted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

For the current academic year 2026–27, admissions will be conducted on the basis of aggregate marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in 10+2, as per the prescribed eligibility criteria.

October 2026

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