• DC calls for strengthening enforcement, community awareness

KATHUA: A meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was today held to review the Tobacco control measures and the ongoing Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0. Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma chaired the meeting.   Chief Medical Officer Dr Vijay Raina briefed the Committee on the   implementation of NTCP directives, highlighting progress made since the previous meeting and areas requiring greater focus.

The meeting discussed promotion of Tobacco Free Villages/Panchayats, adherence to Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines and the self-assessment process for schools under the campaign. The Deputy Commissioner stressed up on strict monitoring of tobacco sale points, necessary legal action against violations and intensifying community-level awareness to discourage tobacco use, especially among youth.

The Chief Education Officer was directed to ensure registration of all educational institutions on the ToFEI App within 15 days and to convene a meeting with private schools for streamlining compliance. Additional Deputy Commissioners of Basohli and Billawar were asked to identify tobacco sale hotspots in their respective jurisdictions for focused enforcement measures.

ADCs and Block Development Officers participated in the meeting through virtual mode, ensuring district-wide coordination and timely implementation. The meeting concluded with a call for collective and sustained action to minimize tobacco-related health risks and promote a healthier environment for the young population.

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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