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

JAMMU: The Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) has registered a significant progress during the current academic session 2026–27, with 4715 scholarships allotted against the annual target of 5000, thereby achieving 94.3 per cent of the overall target so far.

PMSSS provides students of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh through AICTE counselling process, an opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in institutions outside these Union Territories, with financial support towards academic fees and maintenance expenses. The scheme aims to improve access to quality higher education, enhance skills and expand employment opportunities for youth.

During the current Academic Session 2026–27, 1894 scholarships have been allotted under General Degree Courses against 2070, and 2741 scholarships under Professional Courses against 2830, and 80 scholarships under Medical/BDS courses against the target of 100.

The current achievement is significantly higher than the full- year figures recorded during the previous three academic sessions. PMSSS had recorded 3627 beneficiaries in 2023–24, 3674 in 2024–25 and 3585 in 2025–26. The current-year allotment is already 1130 higher than the 2025–26 figure, registering an increase of around 31.5 per cent.

The Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, has been facilitating and coordinating the implementation of PMSSS in the UT, including timely commencement of registration and counselling, besides facilitating through Facilitation Centres and Facilitation-cum-Document Verification Centres for students.

The Department also plays an important role in the verification and review mechanism under the scheme through the UT-level Review Committee headed by the Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education Department, with the Director Colleges, J&K as its Member Secretary.

The accelerated progress during the current academic session reflects coordinated efforts of the Higher Education Department, concerned authorities and field-level facilitation mechanisms to ensure that eligible students are able to avail the benefits of PMSSS.

With 4715 of the 5000 scholarships already allotted, the scheme is expected to further strengthen access to quality higher education and expand educational opportunities for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.

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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