BANDIPORA: To strengthen tobacco control measures and promote a tobacco-free environment, a District-Level Sensitization Workshop for Heads of Institutions and key stakeholders under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 was held on Thursday at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Bandipora.

The workshop was organised by the Tobacco Control Cell, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, in collaboration with the Health Department Bandipora. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Dr. Bhajan Kour, presided over the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhajan Kour highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on public health and stressed the importance of effective implementation of the provisions of COTPA, 2003. She called upon all stakeholders to work in close coordination to create greater awareness, ensure compliance with tobacco control laws, and protect the younger generation from the ill effects of tobacco use.

The workshop was attended by officers from the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), who delivered technical presentations on tobacco control.

On the occasion, Dr. Nabeel, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Bandipora, delivered a comprehensive  presentation on the health hazards of tobacco use, while officers from DHSK made presentations on the objectives of NTCP, the provisions of COTPA, 2003, and strategies for the effective implementation and enforcement of tobacco control measures.

The workshop sensitised participants about the objectives of the National Tobacco Control Programme, the legal provisions of COTPA, 2003, and the role of various departments in enforcing tobacco control measures.

Discussions also focused on strengthening inter-departmental coordination for the effective implementation of the Act across the district. Heads of Institutions and representatives from the Revenue, Police, Health, Drug and Food Safety, Education, Municipal Council, Municipal Committees, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the Media participated in the workshop.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting tobacco control initiatives through sustained awareness, coordinated enforcement, and active community participation, with the aim of promoting a healthier and tobacco-free Bandipora.

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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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