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

NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader and MLA Ch. Vikram Randhawa called on Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Bambhaniya, in New Delhi and raised serious concerns over the anti-people approach of the National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the bifurcation of ration cards and the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS).

During the meeting, Randhawa highlighted that despite the passage of several years, thousands of families in Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer because the UT administration has failed to permit the bifurcation of ration cards. He pointed out that many households which were once single-family units have now expanded into multiple independent families, yet they are still forced to remain under a single ration card, causing immense hardship in availing food security benefits.

Randhawa informed the Union Minister that the J&K administration routinely cites alleged restrictions imposed by the Government of India as the reason for refusing the bifurcation of ration cards. However, the Union Minister clarified that no such order or directive has ever been issued by the Government of India prohibiting the division of ration cards.

Terming this revelation as an exposure of the "anti-people and misleading policies" of the Omar Abdullah-led government, Randhawa said the National Conference administration has chosen to shift blame onto the Centre instead of addressing genuine public grievances. He said that people had expected a responsive and accountable government after the formation of the elected administration, but the NC government has failed to live up to those expectations even on issues directly affecting the daily lives of common citizens.

Randhawa also brought to the Minister's notice serious irregularities in the operation of fair price shops across the Union Territory. He stated that several ration depots are presently catering to nearly 800 to 1,000 families, whereas the prescribed norm permits only around 250 families under a single licence. He asserted that the J&K Government has the authority to issue additional depot licences to streamline ration distribution and improve accessibility, but has deliberately failed to do so, resulting in inconvenience and delays for beneficiaries.

Urging immediate intervention, Randhawa requested Union Minister Nimuben Bambhaniya to visit Jammu and Kashmir along with senior departmental officials to assess the ground realities and interact directly with beneficiaries. Responding positively, the Minister assured him that she would endeavour to visit the Union Territory around September to review the implementation of the Public Distribution System and examine the issues raised.

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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