KATHUA: District Election Officer Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas (Deputy Commissioner) today convened a meeting with key officers to take stock of election preparedness across six assembly segments of the district.

The DEO asked the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) of the six assembly constituencies—63-Bani, 64-Billawar, 65-Basohli, 66-Jasrota, 67-Kathua, and 68-Hiranagar—to designate Nodal Officers for different responsibilities as per the Election Commission of India guidelines.

Dr. Minhas stressed the importance of assembly segment-specific arrangements to be managed by the EROs, who will also serve as the Returning Officers for their respective constituencies. The meeting featured detailed discussions on several critical areas, including Training of polling staff, Establishment of strong rooms and provisions for CCTV surveillance, Randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), formulation of transportation and communication plans, Appointment of sectoral officers, Establishment of Single Window Permission mechanisms etc.

The DEO also underscored the importance of forming Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC), Flying Squads Teams (FST), and Static Surveillance Teams (SST) to uphold the integrity of the election process. He further directed the officers to draft and implement a robust Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan aimed at increasing voter turnout, particularly focusing on first-time voters.

The DEO asked EROs to strictly adhere to the established timelines to ensure smooth execution of the election process in compliance with ECI guidelines. ‎Pertinently, the six assembly constituencies of Kathua district are slated to go for poll on 1st October 2024- the third and final phase of the J&K Assembly elections

The meeting was attended by ADC Ranjit Singh; ERO Kathua Vishav Pratap Singh (ACR); ERO Jasrota Akhil Sadhotra (ACD), ERO Hiranagar Rakesh Kumar (SDM), Nodal Officer Trainings Ranjit Thakur( CPO), Assistant Commissioner Jarad Pratik Anil, Deputy DEO Nagesh Singh, Nodal Officer MCMC, EMC, SVEEP ( DIO Kathua) Neeraj Bhargav while ERO Basohli Anil Thakur (ADC); ERO Billawar Vinay Khosla (ADC); ERO Bani Giasul Haq ( SDM) joined Virtually.

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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