• Students with Suspected Visual Difficulties to receive Free Spectacles, Tertiary Eye Care

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today distributed free spectacles among students at a programme held at Boys Higher Secondary School, Budgam, as part of the District Administration’s ongoing Children’s Eye Health Programme.

The programme is being implemented by the District Administration Budgam in collaboration with Nayonika Eye Care Charitable Trust, covering children in the 6–18 years age group across the district.

Under the initiative, 60,500 out of 70,280 students have been screened so far for vision-related issues. The screening has covered government schools across the district, with comprehensive screening carried out during September.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said, “We have undertaken a comprehensive eye-screening programme covering all children in the 6–18 years age group in government schools across Budgam. So far, around 60,500 children have been screened.”

He said that the initiative is aimed at ensuring timely identification and treatment of vision-related problems among school-going children. “Around 450 children have been identified with vision-related difficulties or those requiring specialised eye care. Our focus is to ensure that every such child receives timely treatment and support,” he added.

The DC said that the second stage of the programme involves examination by ophthalmology teams at Sub-District Hospitals, where children requiring spectacles are assessed and their prescriptions prepared.

“After the initial screening, children requiring further examination are being assessed by ophthalmology teams at our Sub-District Hospitals. Based on the prescriptions, spectacles are being provided free of cost,” he said.

The DC further informed that the administration is working towards completing the screening of all students in government schools shortly. “We are hopeful that 100 per cent of the children in government schools will be screened within the next few days,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of continued care, the Deputy Commissioner said, “For children requiring specialised or tertiary-level treatment, we have also established linkages with medical colleges and tertiary care hospitals so that they receive appropriate treatment and follow-up care.”

The first batch of spectacles was distributed to students during the programme today, while the remaining identified beneficiaries are expected to receive their spectacles within the next 10–15 days.

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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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