SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review and strengthen measures aimed at curbing the growing menace of substance abuse in the Valley.  Emphasizing the need for coordinated and sustained efforts by all concerned departments, the Div Com directed educational institutions, including schools and colleges, to establish in-situ de-addiction mechanisms within their respective campuses.

He instructed that each educational institution shall nominate one male and one female nodal officer responsible for implementation of IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities, student counselling, identification of vulnerable individuals, and continuous monitoring and tracking of affected students.

Wakf authorities were directed to organize orientation programmes for religious leaders to effectively utilize their influence in society for generating awareness regarding the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting social responsibility. With regard to coaching institutions and student accommodations, IMHANS was directed to develop a structured monitoring framework to keep effective oversight on coaching hubs. 

Director Health Services was instructed to prepare a comprehensive training calendar for training of trainers, with the objective of creating a robust pool of trained resource persons for educational institutions. Further, Director Colleges and Director Schools were directed to compile and submit a list of staff members to be trained and assigned the responsibility of identification, counselling, and monitoring of students vulnerable to substance abuse. 

The Div Com emphasized the conduct of regular awareness sessions, maintenance of performance reports, and documentation and dissemination of success stories. Police Department was directed to enhance surveillance over identified drug hotspots across Srinagar city and other districts in close coordination with the Health Department. The meeting was attended by the DC Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Director School Education, Director Social Welfare, Joint Director Information, and officers from Health Services, Higher Education, IMHANS, Wakf Board, Police Department, along with representatives of civil society.

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
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

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