DODA: The Rural Development Department (RDD) Doda today organised a District-Level Panch Sammelan 2026 here in the Community Hall to promote avenues under Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G). The programme aimed to strengthen rural governance, promote sustainable livelihood opportunities and create awareness among the public about various flagship welfare schemes of the Government.

District Development Commissioner (DDC) Krishan Lal inaugurated as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Anil Kumar Thakur; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal; Chief Planning Officer Manesh Kumar; Programme Officer ICDS Akhter Qazi; Assistant Commissioner Development Din Mohammad Afaqi; Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Aslam; District Social Welfare Officer Zubair Ahmed; SHO Tariq Ahmed; besides officers from various line departments.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, former Sarpanches, former Panches, members of Self Help Groups (SHG)s, government officials, beneficiaries, youth and civil society members. At the outset, the participants took the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan pledge, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free society.

The DDC highlighted the vital role of former Sarpanches and Panches in ensuring the effective implementation of government welfare schemes at the grassroots level. He called upon officers and field functionaries to work with honesty, dedication and accountability to achieve 100 percent saturation of eligible beneficiaries under all flagship programmes. 

The ADC highlighted the flagship initiatives such as VB-GRAM-G, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin (SBM-G) and UMEED aimed at empowering grassroots institutions.  Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah emphasized the importance of flagship rural development programmes in generating sustainable employment and strengthening rural livelihoods. 

Programme Officer ICDS Akhter Qazi, Assistant Commissioner Development Din Mohammad Afaqi and officers from various other departments sensitized participants to different government welfare schemes, their eligibility criteria, benefits and implementation mechanisms. Interactive sessions were also held to address the queries of former PRI members and beneficiaries, while encouraging greater public participation in developmental programmes.

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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