KATHUA: Member Legislative Assembly Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan chaired an introductory meeting with District and Sectoral Officers of the Kathua administration here today in the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Surinder Mohan; Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Ranjit Thakur; Superintending Engineer (SE) PWD (R&B); Chief Education Officer (CEO), XENs from different departments including PWD, Irrigation, Flood Control, and PDD, as well as other officials representing various departments.

CPO Kathua, Ranjit Thakur, provided a detailed briefing on the district’s development trajectory, outlining progress in implementing government-led development and welfare schemes. He reported that 28% of the current year’s Capex Budget expenditure has been utilized, with the remaining projects being expedited following the recent Assembly elections.

The meeting focused on the status of projects funded under District CAPEX, including District Development Council (DDC), Block Development Council (BDC), and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) grants. Officers from departments such as Public Health Engineering (PHE), Public Works Department (PWD), Rural Development Department (RDD), Irrigation, Flood Control, Handicrafts & Handloom, District Industries Centre (DIC), Employment, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Social Welfare, ICDS, DUDA, and Health provided updates on various ongoing initiatives.

MLA emphasized the need for a compassionate approach in addressing the issues of marginalized communities and ensuring that welfare schemes reach the most vulnerable residents. He urged officials to extend the benefits of welfare programs to those engaged in the unorganized sectors by implementing Labour and Employment schemes.

Dr. Bhushan also advocated for advancing success in Agriculture and allied sectors, suggesting that insights from progressive farmers be shared to inspire more involvement in these sectors. He called for establishing forums where progressive farmers can motivate others to adopt innovative practices.

Addressing sanitation concerns, Dr. Bhushan took note of litter accumulation in Kathua Canal and specific locations within Kathua town. He directed MC Kathua and the Irrigation Department to install warning signs along the canal, alerting residents to the risks of clogged waterways. Additionally, he instructed MC Kathua and XEN Irrigation to impose penalties on individuals caught dumping litter in the canal and urged for the development of a sustainable cleanliness mechanism for Kathua town. Dr. Bhushan called on field functionaries to work with dedication to fulfill the district's developmental goals in alignment with public aspirations.

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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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