KISHTWAR: To resolve the pressing public issues, Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Kishtwar Pooja Thakur today chaired a meeting with key officials from the District Administration here in the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, Kishtwar. The session began with the introduction of newly posted officers, followed by a welcoming address from ADDC Ghulam Rasool, who encouraged collaborative efforts among departments.

Chairperson Pooja Thakur emphasized the importance of interdepartmental cooperation to ensure timely, doorstep service delivery to the people. She directed the ACD to re-examine the tendering process for MGNREGA to assess its operational effectiveness, noting that tendering norms should not impede development, particularly with the working season restricted by impending winter conditions.

The DDC Chairperson urged neutrality in public service delivery, instructing the Education Department to ensure teachers are assigned to their respective postings, with a compliance report due within a week. Additionally, she discussed crop insurance and beneficiary mapping with the Agriculture Department, stressing the need for swift establishment of the district’s saffron park, and pledged full support for the project’s success.

During the meeting, the Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) highlighted a staff shortage that has impacted project implementation. Chairperson Thakur also inquired about progress on the Jarr Road under the PMGSY initiative and called for prompt compensation for affected landowners. DDC Member Palmar raised concerns over the Khattan Road in Palmar, prompting the Chairperson to request acceleration of the project. Furthermore, Tehsildar Kishtwar was instructed to provide regular updates on muck dumping along highways, and the R&B Paddar Department was directed to expedite compensation for landowners affected by works in Nagseni under the RR plan.

DDC Chairperson instructed executing agencies to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for link roads, assuring them of full support for timely project execution. The Chairperson also brought forward pressing public issues, including the status of water reservoirs, the Kundal to Gulabgarh Water Supply Scheme, and ongoing water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). She urged officials to expedite NOC issuance for the Lopara Water Kuhl and the Lopara WSS of Dachhan, to ensure timely project completion and mitigate Kishtwar Mandal's water scarcity.

A detailed discussion was held on various issues, with multiple directives issued for swift redressal. In her closing remarks, DDC Chairperson called upon the officers to remain proactive in addressing public concerns, encouraging a dedicated approach to meet the district's development goals and support the community's expectations.

Present at the meeting were Ghulam Rasool, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of District Council, PO ICDS/CEO KDA Rishi Sharma, ACD Kishtwar, Phulail Singh, CPO Kishtwar, Shahnawaz Bali, DSWO Zubair Ahmed DIO Kishtwar Kuldeep Kumar, ALC Mamta Sudershan, Tehsildar Kishtwar, XEn's, CHO Kishtwar Sajid Mustafa, BDOs along with other district and sectoral Officers.

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 👇