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

KATHUA: A meeting to review the progress and implementation of works under the District Capex Budget for the financial year 2025-26 was today convened under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma at the DC Office Complex.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Surinder Mohan Sharma, Chief Planning Officer, Ranjeet Thakur, Assistant Commissioner Development, Akhil Sadotra, Chief Education Officer, Executive Engineers of PWD Kathua, JPDCL and Ground Water, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Block Development Officers, sectoral officers and other concerned officials.

Executive Engineers of PWD Basohli, Hiranagar, Billawar and BDOs also joined the meeting virtually. During the meeting, the DDC reviewed sector-wise and department-wise physical and financial progress of works taken up under different components of the District Capex Budget including Regular Schemes, Seema Samridhi Yojna, Area Development Funds, PRI Grants and other ongoing projects.

The DDC emphasized the need for expeditious completion of all ongoing developmental works to ensure timely creation of durable public assets. He directed all departments to adhere to approved timelines and maintain transparency and quality standards during execution.

While reviewing the progress, the DDC directed officers to prioritize people-centric projects, particularly those related to rural infrastructure, water supply, education, health and road connectivity. He called for effective coordination among departments to remove bottlenecks and ensure smooth implementation of projects.

The meeting also discussed fund utilization, tendering processes and submission of utilization certificates. The DDC instructed officers to ensure that all allocated funds are fully utilized within the stipulated time frame. He further directed that all departments complete both physical and financial targets by December 31, 2025, noting that a 75 percent expenditure cut-off will be imposed thereafter.

The DDC asked departments to give special focus to Billawar and Bani areas in view of the approaching winter season which may hamper developmental activities in those regions. The DDC underlined the importance of timely and quality execution of developmental projects to strengthen grassroots governance and improve public service delivery, urging officers to work with dedication, efficiency and accountability.

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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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