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CHHAMB: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, today undertook an extensive tour of the Chhamb Assembly Constituency and took stock of ongoing developmental activities besides laying foundation stones for a number of new projects aimed at strengthening civic infrastructure and improving public amenities.

During the tour, the Minister interacted with local residents, public representatives and officers and reviewed the pace of development works in different areas. He directed the concerned departments to ensure timely execution of projects while maintaining quality and transparency.

At Khour Town, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of storm-water drains in different wards of Khour Town, being executed at an estimated cost of ₹4.50 crore. The project is aimed at improving drainage infrastructure and addressing water logging and related problems faced by residents.

Satish Sharma  also laid the foundation stone for construction of lanes and drains in all wards of Municipal Committee Khour, at a cost of ₹99.06 lakh, with the objective of improving local connectivity, sanitation and civic infrastructure across the town.

At Rakh Malal, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a Multipurpose Hall and creation of facilities for a Reading Room, estimated to cost ₹19.43 lakh. He also laid the foundation stone for construction of a Tin Shed at Baba Badbachaig Dev Sathan, Rakh Malal, at a cost of ₹5 lakh, aimed at improving facilities for devotees and visitors.

At Nikkia, Tehsil Khour, the Minister laid the foundation stone for improvement of the existing Devsthan/religious site, including augmentation of the shed, development of public amenities, provision of a ramp and washroom for specially-abled persons, tile work and allied works. The project has an estimated cost of ₹60 lakh.

Another important project taken up during the tour was the construction of a 16-metre vented crossway connecting Romali to Thun Naryani, for which the foundation stone was laid at an estimated cost of ₹70 lakh. The project is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate movement of people between the adjoining areas.

The developmental projects for which foundation stones were laid during the tour have a combined estimated cost of approximately ₹7.03 crore, covering drainage, roads and lanes, public amenities, religious-site infrastructure and connectivity.

The Minister emphasised that development must reach every habitation and that civic infrastructure, connectivity and basic amenities remain among the government’s key priorities. He called upon the executing agencies to work in close coordination with local communities and ensure that the benefits of developmental projects reach the people in a timely manner.

Satish Sharma also interacted with local residents and listened to their demands and grievances. He assured them that their genuine issues would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action.

The concerned officers briefed the Minister about the status of ongoing works and proposed development initiatives in the constituency. The Minister directed the officers to maintain close monitoring of the projects and ensure adherence to prescribed quality standards and timelines.

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