In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Public darbar in Keerian Gandyal brings RDD, Flood Control, PWD, PHE, PMGSY, PDD on spot — load-balancing, standpost revival, culvert survey assured

JASROTA: BJP MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia inaugurated multiple development works on Tuesday in Panchayat Sowla and Tridwan of Keerian Gandyal block, Kathua. The package included *16 new lane drains* with cover slabs, hard-facing of interior lanes and commissioning of a *new transformer* to improve voltage stability for homes, tubewells and small enterprises.

The program was attended by field teams from *RDD, Flood Control, PWD, PHE, PMGSY* and *PDD*. At a public darbar, residents flagged low water pressure in Sowla, pending flood-control compensation for 2022 breaches, and vulnerable culverts ahead of monsoon. PHE committed to revive a defunct standpost and conduct a chlorination check; PDD scheduled load-balancing and tripping audits; Flood Control agreed to a joint survey of weak embankments; PMGSY and PWD noted Phase-II lane priorities. Jasrotia said routine inspections would fast-track approvals and extended matching support to local *Self-Help Groups* for kitchen-garden and tailoring units, with work to be reviewed fortnightly.

In his address, Jasrotia framed the works as “last-mile delivery”—linking drains to monsoon safety, lanes to market access, and the transformer to study hours for children and evening shifts for artisans. He praised engineers for completing soak-pits ahead of schedule and asked RDD to photograph each stretch weekly to keep payments transparent. He told locals that development “is not ribbon-cutting once, it is inspection every week.”

On grievances, he acknowledged thin tap pressure and compensation delays, promising Flood Control’s survey within 15 days and PHE’s standpost revival before peak summer. He urged PDD to publish feeder-outage data in the panchayat office and advised farmers to stagger irrigation loads until the new transformer settles. “We work in sunlight, not in files,” he said, pledging fortnightly reviews with officials present.

He closed by highlighting border-area women’s Self-Help Groups, inviting proposals for poly-greenhouses and tool-kits backed by matching panchayat grants. He reiterated that Phase-II lanes and additional culverts would follow a joint priority list drawn up with residents, so budgets follow local need, not political cycles.

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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