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

JAMMU: The Labour Commissioner S. Charandeep Singh, who also serves as Chief Inspector of Factories, has issued factory licenses to 15 industrial units across Jammu and Kashmir. This move follows the recent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Factories Rules, 1972, introduced vide Government Order S.O. 271, issued on 17th October, 2025.

Under the new amendments, factory licenses granted or renewed will now remain valid for five years across all categories; Red, Orange, Green and White. This is a significant shift from the previous annual renewal system and aims to reduce the administrative burden on factory owners and streamline operations.

Furthermore, the amended rules provide factory owners the option to renew their licenses on an annual basis, but with a 10% higher fee than the fee listed in the revised Schedule "A". This new option allows businesses more flexibility in managing their compliance costs while ensuring continued adherence to regulatory requirements.

The factories granted licenses under the new rules are Radha Krishna Garuvers, Jai Beverages, Alteus Drugs Pvt Ltd, Chiripal Polyfilms, MD Packaging Industries, Speciality Techfab Pvt Ltd, Northern Coating Pvt Ltd, Jupiter Aluminium Industries Pvt Ltd, Kargil Steel and Power Pvt Ltd, JK Roller Flour Mills, Anmol Healthcare, Mannat Foam Industries and Impact Healthcare Formulations Pvt Ltd.

Speaking about the development, the Labour Commissioner stated that the amendments to the factory licensing process are a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the business environment in Jammu and Kashmir.

By extending the validity period of factory licenses and providing greater flexibility in the renewal process, the Government aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and establish a more transparent and predictable regulatory framework that will promote industrial growth and attract investment to the region, he added.

He asserted that this move aligns with the government's goal of boosting industrial activity and creating a conducive environment for businesses to grow while ensuring that safety, health and environmental standards are upheld as per the Factories Act, 1948.

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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