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JAMMU: The J & K General Administration Department (GAD) has disclosed that 280 public authorities, 3,732 Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and 821 First Appellate Authorities are currently onboarded on the J&K RTI Online Portal.

The information was shared in response to an RTI application filed by Jammu-based RTI activist Raman Kumar Sharma. , who had sought details on how many public authorities and officers were onboarded at the time of the portal's launch, and how many have been added since then.

In its reply dated 22/September/2026, the GAD said the query about the number onboarded at the time of the portal's initial launch does not fall under the definition of information as per Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005.  However, it shared the current figures based on records available on the portal.

The J&K RTI portal was launched on 10/January/2025, to allow citizens to file RTI applications online. As per an earlier reply from the GAD, the portal had received 65,243 RTI applications and 9,033 first appeals between its launch and 26/August/ 2026, pointing to the growing use of the online system by citizens across the Union Territory.

The RTI activist has been pursuing the matter for months, repeatedly asking the GAD to onboard more public authorities, particularly at the district and block levels. He had earlier pointed out that while PIOs at the directorate level in the education department are listed on the portal, offices of chief education, Tehsils, Block Development Offices are missing and the same gap exists in the police and other departments. He had also requested the government to onboard Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra on the J & K online Portal.

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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