SRINAGAR: The Central Information Commission (CIC) and the J&K Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD) jointly organized a workshop on "Right to Information and Citizen-Centric Governance" here  today.

Chief Information Commissioner, Heeralal Samariya, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the challenges faced by the CIC and public authorities in implementing the RTI Act in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Samariya emphasized the crucial role of Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) in ensuring effective implementation of the Act. He also stressed the importance of proactive disclosure by public authorities and regular transparency audits to assess the effectiveness of the RTI framework.

The workshop, attended by nearly 250 officers, including FAAs, CPIOs and other officials from various public authorities, provided a platform for interactive discussion and knowledge sharing. Samariya  addressed the queries and concerns raised by the participants, offering valuable insights and guidance.

Rehana Batool, Director IMPARD, spoke about the institute's activities while Dr. Jahan Ara Jabeen provided an overview of the implementation of the RTI Act in Jammu and Kashmir. The workshop was widely appreciated by the participants, who praised the collaborative effort between CIC and IMPARD.

The Registrar, CIC, expressed gratitude to the Director, IMPARD and the officers of the General Administration Department for their support in organizing the program. Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat coordinated the activities of CIC during the workshop. This workshop is part of IMPARD's ongoing efforts to build capacity and enhance governance in Jammu and Kashmir, an initiative that has been ongoing for nearly two decades.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇