• Calls for better enrolment, vocational training, career counselling

DODA: Union Joint Secretary, Ministry for Women & Child Development and Member, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma visited Doda district on Thursday to review the functioning of PM SHRI schools and assess the implementation of various educational initiatives.

During the visit, the Union Joint Secretary inspected the PM SHRI Higher Secondary Schools at Trown, Bhalra and Khellani, where he reviewed the academic activities, infrastructure, digital learning facilities, vocational education initiatives and overall institutional performance.

He was accompanied by Chief Education Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, State Coordinator PM SHRI, Coordinator Vocational Education and other officials. Interacting with the school authorities and students, Dr. Sharma emphasized the need to increase the student enrolment in PM SHRI schools through sustained awareness campaigns and effective outreach regarding the facilities and opportunities available under the scheme.

Highlighting the administrative challenges, the Chief Education Officer apprised the visiting dignitary of shortage of Principals and Headmasters in several institutions. Dr. Sharma assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities for necessary intervention. The officials informed that PM SHRI schools are functioning as nodal institutions by extending academic and digital support to the neighbouring schools through a cluster-based approach.

Dr. Sharma stressed the importance of regular monitoring of these clusters to ensure improved learning outcomes and effective governance. Emphasizing skill-based education, he underscored the significance of expanding the vocational education programmes to equip students with the practical skills and improve their employability prospects.

The Union Joint Secretary also directed for regular conduct of structured career counselling programmes, including during the study hours, to help the students make informed career choices. During the visit, he also reviewed the sports infrastructure, career guidance initiatives and digital learning interventions under Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) and DIKSHA platforms, stressing their effective utilization for strengthening the teaching-learning process.

Reiterating the importance of child rights and student welfare, Dr. Sharma called for collective efforts by the institutions, parents and society to ensure a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every child.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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 šŸ‘‡