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

SRINAGAR: Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi), MLA today chaired a meeting of the Committee on Estimates at Legislative Assembly here to review the power scenario in Jammu and Kashmir with emphasis on timely completion of RDSS projects.

The meeting was attended by Legislators Javid Hassan Baig, Mushtaq Guroo, Irshad Rasool Kar, Sajad Shaheen and Mian Mehar Ali. Secretary Assembly Manoj Kumar Pandit and officials of the Assembly Secretariat were also present on the occassion.

The officers of Power Development Department gave a detailed presentation on physical and financial progress under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), PMDP and other flagship schemes, including budget utilization, grid augmentation and power procurement.

The Chairman said that smart metering will streamline the billing, improve collection efficiency and provide relief to the consumers. He also reviewed renewable energy initiatives under PM-KUSUM, rooftop solar and electrification of unconnected border hamlets. He sought a clear timeline for achieving 100 per cent grid connectivity and ensuring stable off-grid supply where grid extension is not feasible.

Meanwhile, the Members raised public concerns over high AT&C losses, slow progress on smart metering, unscheduled power cuts, billing disputes and slow replacement of bare conductors with Aerial Bunched Cables.

In view of the approaching winter, the Chairman stressed the need for robust winter preparedness, including adequate reserves of Distribution Transformers and deployment of quick response teams for snow-bound and far-flung areas to avoid prolonged outages.

The Committee directed the Department to submit within a fortnight circle-wise AT&C loss data, complaint resolution figures, outstanding liabilities to CPSUs/IPPs and updated status of hydro projects along with cost escalation and revised timelines.

Ashwani Kumar, ACS PDD, Babila Rakwal, Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology Department, Rahul Yadav, MD JKSPDC, G.P. Singh, MD JPDCL, Mahmood A Shah, MD KPDCL, M.S. Malik, DG Budget, and other senior officers of the JKPTCL, JKPCL, JAKEDA, NHPC, KPDCL and JPDCL were present in the meeting.

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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