JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a three-day Orientation Programme for the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir. The programme, held in the Central Hall Jammu, is being jointly organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat, and the J&K Legislative Assembly from January 9 to 11, 2025. In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister appreciated the Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly for meticulously planning the programme.

Reflecting on the contributions of eminent parliamentarians like Jawaharlal Nehru, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Somnath Chatterjee, Indrajit Gupta, Chandra Shekhar and Pranab Mukherjee, he remarked on their incisive analysis, deep understanding, and dignified conduct in Parliament. He urged the MLAs to emulate these distinguished leaders and contribute meaningfully to the Assembly’s deliberations. Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of the Orientation Programme for familiarizing MLAs with rules of procedure and conduct of business.

Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandit in the beginning of the programme thanked the Speaker on prioritizing capacity building of legislators. Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, encouraged the MLAs to work diligently and understand legislative norms to ensure smooth functioning of the House. He highlighted the significance of such programmes in equipping legislators with knowledge about budget formulation and centrally sponsored schemes that benefit marginalized communities.

In the technical session, P.K. Mallick, Director of PRIDE, presented the objectives of the institute and its role in building the capacity of legislators while strengthening democratic values. Chairperson of the Committee on Estimates, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, delivered a lecture on the committee system in Indian legislatures, sharing insights and suggestions for forming and managing committees effectively.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also addressed the gathering, further enriching the session with his perspectives. The three-day programme aims to equip MLAs with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their contributions to legislative processes and governance.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡