• Assures prompt redress of people’s issues, directs officers to address local developmental needs on priority

KATHUA: A Public Grievances redressal Camp was today organised at Bhaddu in Block Billawar. Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma chaired the camp. A large number of public representatives and residents projected local demands and issues seeking prompt redressal of the same. ADC Billawar Vishavjeet Singh, PO ICDS Mohammed Syed Khan, CPO Ranjeet Thakur and other district and sectoral officers attended the camp.

Former-Sarpanches from different Panchayats of Block Billawar projected a number of demands related to road connectivity, healthcare, water supply, revenue services, tourism, agriculture and horticulture, Panchayat works and other developmental issues.

The Deputy Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the demands and assured the public that the issues within the domain of district administration would be resolved on priority, while those requiring intervention at higher levels would be appropriately projected to the concerned authorities. ā€œSuch demands will be taken into consideration while preparing future plans, as these require intervention and funding at the government level,ā€ he informed.

Highlighting the importance of such camps, the DC said that several issues which can be resolved at the district level often do not reach the administration. ā€œSuch camps provide an effective platform for the public to project their demands directly before the administration and seek timely resolutionā€, he noted.

Responding to the specific demands, the DC directed the Executive Engineer PWD Billawar to explore the possibility of early up-gradation of Phinter-Bhaddu road as demanded by the locals. He also informed that roads damaged due to rains are being taken up for repair and renovation in a phased manner. He further directed the CMO to move a proposal for re-construction of the old building for local PHC and ensure provision of healthcare services from a makeshift facility till its completion.

On water scarcity, the DC directed the Executive Engineer PHE to identify the affected areas, conduct field visits and submit a detailed report. He informed that additional funds have been provided to the Mechanical Division for procurement of machinery, which would soon be installed in water-deficient areas to augment water supply.

On the issue of availability of mining material, the DC clarified that contractors are required to arrange construction material as per the terms and conditions of the tender. He also stressed upon contractors and executing agencies to ensure quality of work. The DC informed that the Bhaddu Ground would be upgraded for which a proposal would be submitted to the Sports Department.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry departments to organise melas   to provide farmers and the general public with information regarding departmental schemes, latest farming techniques and livelihood opportunities. Other departments were also asked to organise awareness camps to sensitise the public about their ongoing schemes and programmes.

The DC appealed to the people, particularly the youth, to stay away from drugs and collectively work towards making their villages Nasha Mukt, with the larger objective of making Kathua and ultimately Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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