POONCH: A specialised training session under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and COTPA guidelines was organised today here at the Meeting Hall Dak Bungalow. Panchayat Secretaries from all blocks of the District Poonch participated in the training and learnt about the provisions of COTPA, harmful effects of tobacco, control measures and community-level awareness strategies.

The technical training was delivered by UT level Master Trainer Dr. Nasir Turab Qazi. Addressing the participants, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan urged them to ensure effective implementation of NTCP guidelines in their respective Panchayats. He emphasized the need for spreading mass awareness about the ill effects of tobacco consumption.

The CMO informed that Village-Level Committees are being constituted across the district to further strengthen NTCP activities and ensure community participation in tobacco control initiatives.

The resource persons highlighted the alarming rise in tobacco use among youth and stressed the responsibility of Panchayat Secretaries to counter this trend through consistent field-level monitoring. They also discussed strategies to enforce COTPA provisions, particularly around educational institutions and public places.

The programme concluded with an interactive session, during which participants raised queries regarding challenges faced at the grassroots level. The experts assured full support from the Health Department in implementing tobacco control measures across the district.

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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