KUPWARA: The Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori, presided over a council meeting today at the DC Office Complex to assess the progress of various developmental initiatives funded by the District CAPEX Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. 

The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir, CEO Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, members of the District Development Council, as well as district and sectoral officers. Initially, the Chief Planning Officer (CPO) of Kupwara provided a comprehensive report on both ongoing and completed projects under the District CAPEX Budget for 2024-25, covering sectors such as Minor Irrigation, Roads and Buildings, Elementary and Secondary Education, Youth Services and Sports, Health, Public Health Engineering, National Food Security, United Grants, and the Samridh Seema Yojna. 

The meeting revealed that the total approved budget for 2024-25 amounts to 66,675.25 lakh, with funds released to date totaling Rs. 31,466.90 lakh, and expenditures reaching Rs. 26,662.04 lakh as of October 2024, representing 84.73% of the budget. 

The Chairman conducted a thorough review of the physical and financial status of the projects initiated under the District Capex schemes and other sectors. During the discussions, council members raised various concerns related to their constituencies, including feasibility challenges regarding projects under the Power Development Department (PDD), a shortage of Block Development Officers (BDOs) in several blocks, and the impact of this shortage on routine operations. 

The council instructed the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) of Kupwara to submit a representation to the Administrative Department addressing the BDO shortage to alleviate the difficulties faced by the community. 

After evaluating the sector-wise progress of the projects, the Chairman urged district-level officers from all departments to accelerate the tendering and allotment processes, as well as to hasten the implementation of development projects, particularly in light of the impending drop in temperatures and anticipated snowfall, ensuring timely project completion.

The Chairman conducted a review of the buffer stock of transformers and instructed the PDD officers to ensure that their personnel and equipment remain vigilant in anticipation of the severe winter conditions.  During the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the District Development Council urged the officers to exert their utmost efforts to ensure the timely completion of projects, thereby maximizing the effective use of funds allocated under various schemes.

 He specifically directed the relevant officers to prioritize the completion of the Warnow-Shahbad Bridge and the Alama Anwar Shah Stadium.  The ADDC Kupwara, who serves as the CEO of the District Development Council, called upon the officers to be attentive to the public, actively respond to their legitimate concerns, and fully embrace their responsibilities as public servants. 

He stressed the importance of accountability, empathy, and the prioritization of proactive service and public welfare.  He encouraged the officers to work diligently to advance the development and progress of the Kupwara district, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

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

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