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REASI:   District Development Commissioner Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan today chaired the weekly Block Diwas event at Community Hall, Sirah Kotla, Panthal block. The event saw enthusiastic participation from local residents and the departmental representatives.

The residents raised several demands including infrastructure development, augmentation of water supply and healthcare facilities, Fresh survey of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, up-gradation of electric transformers, completion of PWD and PMGSY roads, opening of a Primary Health Center (PHC), release of pending payments under MGNREGA, renewal of gun licenses, sanction of pending old age and widow pensions, installation of solar lights, and improvement  in educational facilities.

Additionally, the locals also demanded widow pensions for Above Poverty Line (APL) individuals. DDC Mahajan said that Block Diwas  aims at bringing governance to the doorstep of the people, providing people a platform to voice their concerns, seek redress of grievances and get firsthand information about various government schemes and initiatives.

The residents informed DDC Mahajan about a tragic accident that claimed the lives of four family members, requesting assistance from the district administration. Responding to the same, the DDC assured them of help from the Red Cross Society. Officers from different departments also apprised the public about their departmental schemes.

Addressing another concern, he asked the Block Development Officer Panthal to identify and propose land for women who cultivate vegetables to sell their produce, thus generating self-income. Earlier, the DDC interacted with the public, listened to their issues, and directed the concerned officials to address them promptly. He instructed the XEN PDD to survey and upgrade transformers where needed.

Regarding the demand for a playground, the DDC stated that discussions would be held with the District Youth Services and Sports department to develop a playground in the area.  He also inspected the 160 meter Panthal and Jhajjar Kotli bridge project and instructed the executing agency to start the pending construction work. He also inspected   other developmental projects.

Meanwhile, to promote agricultural mechanization and enhance productivity, District Development Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan issued tractors to farmers under a 50% subsidy scheme as a part of Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP).

DDC Member Rajinder Mengi, SDM Katra Piyush Dhotra, SP Katra Vipin Chandran, ACD Pardeep Kumar, CEO Mushtaq Ahmed,  XENs PDD and PHE, DSWO, Tensildar Katra, BDO Panthal and other officers were present.

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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