KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting to review the district's response to drug abuse and strengthen ongoing anti-narcotics initiatives.

The meeting focused on reinforcing the institutional framework for drug de-addiction and assessing progress under the Information, Education and Communication campaign being carried out as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan.District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Parveaz Qazi presented the Action Taken Report on decisions taken at the previous NCORD meeting.

Reviewing the prevailing drug abuse scenario, the Deputy Commissioner sought inputs on vulnerable areas, affected demographic groups and hotspots requiring targeted intervention and reviewed preventive, rehabilitative and enforcement measures being undertaken by various departments.

The DC directed all heads of departments to ensure active participation of designated resource persons and officials in IEC activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan and cautioned that negligence or non-compliance would be viewed seriously. He directed the ATF Kishtwar, Social Welfare Department and Health Department to prepare and share a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for establishing a dedicated rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in the district and directed the Nodal Officer, ATF Kishtwar to submit a DPR for tele-psychiatry services at District Hospital Kishtwar in collaboration with Senior Consultant Dr Imtiyaz Mansur to improve access to mental healthcare, counselling, follow-up and specialist consultation.

The DC directed the School Education Department to ensure all remaining educational institutions are declared Tobacco-Free Zones in accordance with TOFEI guidelines and instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Tehsildars to expedite the declaration of panchayats as "Nasha Mukt" as per prescribed standard operating procedures with due verification and community participation.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all line departments to ensure timely submission of remaining activities on the portal under the 100 Days Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and directed all remaining Drawing and Disbursing Officers to submit Drug-Free Office Certificates after obtaining certified self-declaration forms from government employees.

The ADC was asked to sensitise Mahila Nigrani Samitis and Youth Clubs about their role in combating drug abuse and instructed to convene further meetings with courier operators to ensure proper record-keeping and prevent transportation of unauthorised Schedule H drug consignments.

The Deputy Commissioner called upon citizens and volunteers to contribute towards making Kishtwar drug-free and stressed the need for continuous monitoring of suspicious drug consignments, particularly those routed through courier networks.

Among those present were SSP Naresh Singh, ADC Pawan Kotwal, PO ICDS Rishi Kumar Sharma, ACR Idrees Lone, SDMs (virtually), DSWO Tariq Parveaz Qazi, Tehsildar Headquarters Mohd Rafie Naik, Tehsildars (virtually), BDOs (virtually), DFO Mahesh Thakur, YSSO Jaffer Haider Sheikh, CMO Dr Sanjay Bhat, CEO Sanjay Dogra, CAO Kushal Chandel, Nodal Officer ATF Dr Hariss and officers from concerned departments.

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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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