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

JAMMU: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Jammu North, today held a comprehensive press conference focused on the objectives and long-term impact of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, its alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and the leadership-driven roadmap of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for grassroots development, rural empowerment, and strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The press conference was attended by senior BJP leaders including Sham Lal Sharma MLA Jammu North , Surinder Bhagat, MLA Marh; Nand Kishore Sharma, President, BJP Jammu North District, Ayodhya Gupta Prabhari Jammu North , General Secretary; Bhuvnesh Mehta, and Raveesh Mengi, Convener Yash Pal Sharma, Rakesh Singh , Shamsher Prajaparti, Robin Karwal and Mandal Presidents.

Addressing the media, Sham Lal Sharma elaborated that the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 is a landmark and transformative rural employment and livelihood legislation aimed at providing guaranteed employment of 125 days per rural household per year, thereby ensuring greater income stability and livelihood security. He stated that the Act represents a decisive shift from symbolic assurances to a legally enforceable, transparent, and outcome-oriented development framework.

The speaker emphasized that the scheme moves beyond short-term wage support and focuses on sustainable rural development through the creation of durable assets such as rural roads, irrigation and drainage systems, water conservation and harvesting structures, flood protection works, and essential community infrastructure. These assets are designed to strengthen agriculture, rural connectivity, and village-level economic activities. 

Sham Lal Sharma highlighted that the VB-G RAM G Act integrates employment with skill development and self-reliance, expanding opportunities from unskilled labour to semi-skilled and skilled work. The scheme promotes agri-based enterprises, traditional occupations, rural entrepreneurship, women-led Self-Help Groups, and youth-driven initiatives, supported by modern technology and planning mechanisms to ensure dignified livelihoods in rural areas.

Strong emphasis has been laid on transparency and accountability under the Act. Time-bound wage payments with provisions for automatic compensation in case of delays, along with social audits, geo-tagging, digital monitoring, and strict verification mechanisms, will eliminate corruption, fake muster rolls, and leakages. The objective is to ensure that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries without harassment or delay.

Sham Sharma reiterated that Panchayati Raj Institutions and Gram Sabhas form the backbone of the VB-G RAM G Act. Panchayats will play a decisive role in planning, execution, and monitoring of works, ensuring genuine decentralisation, community participation, and grassroots accountability. This approach strengthens democratic institutions at the village level and ensures that development priorities are locally identified and implemented.Placing the scheme within the larger national framework,  Sham Lal Sharma stated that Viksit Bharat 2047 envisions a fully developed, self-reliant, and inclusive India by the centenary year of Independence.

Rooted in the principle of Antyodaya, this vision ensures that development reaches the poorest and most marginalised sections of society, with rural India forming the foundation of national progress.Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, rural development has been placed at the centre of nation-building. Strengthening Panchayats, empowering farmers and workers, promoting self-reliance, and creating resilient village economies are key pillars of this vision. The VB-G RAM G Act serves as a powerful instrument to translate this vision into measurable and visible outcomes on the ground.

Responding strongly to opposition criticism, the speaker stated that attempts to create unnecessary controversy over the name of the scheme reflect misplaced priorities. He asserted that development is judged by results, not by nomenclature, and that the people are concerned with employment, infrastructure, transparency, and timely delivery of benefits. While the opposition indulges in name-based politics, the BJP remains focused on real development and public welfare.

Special emphasis was laid on the relevance of the Act for Jammu and Kashmir, keeping in view its unique geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. The scheme prioritises border areas, hilly and remote regions, and weather-vulnerable zones to ensure balanced and inclusive development across the Union Territory. It was reaffirmed that no Panchayat, village, or rural household will be left behind.

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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