KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired the weekly Block Diwas programme at Government Higher Secondary School, Block Sarthal. Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar Naresh Singh also attended the event. During interaction, local residents raised various grievances concerning road connectivity, health services, water supply and departmental issues.

The Deputy Commissioner issued on-the-spot directions to the departments concerned for the time-bound redressal of these matters. Key concerns highlighted included the lack of drinking water, the dilapidated condition of the road from Malipeth to Hasti Morh, the detachment of staff from four primary health centres and the need for improved public amenities at the Shri Mata Sarthal Devi temple.

Addressing these issues, the Deputy Commissioner directed Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) to immediately initiate repairs and renovation on the Hasti Morh to Sarthal road. The Jal Shakti Department was tasked with ensuring regular water supply, restoring schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission and expediting all pending works.

Further, the DC instructed the Block Development Officer Trigam to submit detailed proposals for the beautification of the Sarthal Devi temple. To regulate local transport, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Kishtwar was directed to monitor fare charges for passenger vehicles and electric autos on the route.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inaugurated a 100-bedded girls hostel building near the school. This new facility aims to provide better accommodation and educational support for local girl students. On the occasion, the DC also distributed engagement letters to the newly appointed female staff for the hostel.

Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Vinod Kumar Behnal, Programme Officer ICDS Rishi Kumar Sharma, Chief Executive Officer KDA Kaiser Bhawani, Assistant Commissioner (Development) Manoj Kumar, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Neeraj Sharma, Assistant Director Handicrafts and Handloom Pardeep Shan, Assistant Labour Commissioner Mamta Sudershan, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Tasleem Wani, Block Development Officer Trigam Roopesh Sharma, Chief Education Officer Kishtwar Sanjay Dogra and other officers concerned and local representatives.

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‘‡