• Stresses improved connectivity in hilly areas; calls for wider public awareness

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, today chaired a review meeting of concerned officers to assess the progress of Rural Internet Connectivity under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative in the district.

The meeting was attended by IAS Probationer Nidhi, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Vishav Partap Singh, Chief Planning Officer, Ranjeet Thakur, officers of BSNL and other concerned departments.

During the meeting, BSNL officials informed that Rural Fibre Internet connectivity has been established up to Panchayat Ghars in Kathua, Hiranagar, Marheen and Dinga Amb under the DBN project. They said broadband services are being provided through BNU locations for extending individual internet connections to households in rural areas, with the objective of ensuring reliable and affordable internet access.

The BSNL authorities further informed that internet connectivity is also being extended to Government schools under the Samagra Shiksha programme to support digital learning and improve access to online educational resources.

Reviewing the progress, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to expand internet connectivity to the hilly subdivisions of Basohli, Billawar and Bani, where better digital access is essential for education, public services, healthcare and livelihood opportunities. He directed the concerned agencies to expand the coverage, speed up the remaining works and ensure timely completion of the project.

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma also emphasised the need to create greater public awareness about the availability and benefits of the Rural Fibre Internet initiative. He directed the concerned departments and BSNL to widely publicise the scheme so that more households and institutions can avail the facility and benefit from improved digital connectivity.

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

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