• Senior Vice President Sofi Mohi-ud-Din terms initiative a progressive step towards human dignity, social welfare & civic order

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), Senior Vice President Sofi Mohi-ud-Din, has warmly welcomed and appreciated the decision of the District Administration Srinagar to implement a ban on begging in public places under the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme, describing it as a progressive and humane initiative aimed at addressing a long-standing social challenge.

In a statement issued here, Sofi Mohi-ud-Din expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and the district administration for taking what he termed a visionary step towards safeguarding human dignity, promoting social welfare and ensuring better civic management across the city.He said the SMILE Scheme represents a comprehensive and compassionate approach that seeks not merely to remove the visible manifestations of poverty but to rehabilitate vulnerable individuals through livelihood opportunities, skill development programmes, counselling and social support mechanisms.

He said "The initiative reflects a balanced approach that combines social responsibility with effective governance. It aims to empower marginalized individuals by providing them with sustainable means of livelihood while ensuring that public spaces remain orderly, accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike".Highlighting the wider benefits of the initiative, Sofi Mohi-ud-Din noted that the implementation of this scheme would help improve public convenience in markets, hospitals, commercial centres and traffic intersections while creating a more organized urban environment.

He further observed that the move would help curb the menace of organized begging networks and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, while facilitating rehabilitation for genuinely needy individuals through institutional support and welfare measures.The KTMF leader added that a cleaner, more disciplined and tourist-friendly atmosphere would strengthen Srinagar's image as a modern and responsible city, benefiting not only the tourism sector but also the local business community and the general public.

Sofi Mohi-ud-Din urged traders, business associations, civil society groups, religious organizations and citizens to extend full cooperation to the District Administration in ensuring the successful implementation of the initiative.He emphasized that lasting social change requires collective participation and that society must focus on rehabilitation, empowerment and sustainable support systems rather than encouraging dependency through street begging.

Reaffirming the commitment of the traders' fraternity towards social welfare and community development, Sofi Mohi-ud-Din said the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation stands firmly with the District Administration Srinagar in all efforts aimed at promoting human dignity, public welfare, civic discipline and inclusive development.

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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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