JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border residents, has once again reiterated its long-pending demand for the establishment of a Border Area Development Authority (BADA) for Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of JK-BADC and former Vice Chancellor, urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to take a policy decision for constituting a dedicated authority to exclusively plan, coordinate and execute developmental and strategic infrastructure projects in border areas, which continue to face unique challenges arising from their geographical and security sensitivities.

BADC Chairman said that border villages cannot be viewed through the same developmental lens as peaceful urban and mainland regions. Residents living along the International Border and the Line of Control face recurring security threats, displacement during hostilities, restrictions on land use and limited access to essential infrastructure, making a specialised institutional mechanism an urgent necessity.

Dr. Shazad stressed that the proposed Border Area Development Authority should comprise experts from the Armed Forces, Border Security agencies, Disaster Management authorities, engineering departments, planning agencies and civil administration so that developmental projects in border regions are planned with both civilian welfare and strategic requirements in mind.

He also  said the authority should prepare infrastructure plans for border villages, including community bunkers, evacuation facilities, emergency shelters, roads, communication networks and other essential public assets. He added that developmental planning in border areas must account for security challenges and emergency situations that may arise in future.

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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