• Seek public suggestions for village development plans; review progress with district officers

KATHUA: As part of the implementation of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) 2.0, the designated Prabhari Officers for border villages in Hiranagar Sub-Division today conducted extensive field visits to the villages of Rathua, Karol Krishna, Kadyala and Gujjar Chak to assess local developmental requirements and seek public feedback for preparation of village development plans.

Director Forensic Science Laboratory J&K, O.P. Bhagat, who has been assigned Rathua and Karol Krishna villages and Director Command Area Development, Jammu Pankaj Magotra, assigned Kadyala and Gujjar Chak villages, interacted with locals and held detailed meetings in their respective villages.

The meetings were attended by MLA Hiranagar Vijay Kumar, SDM Hiranagar Phulail Singh, Assistant Commissioner Development, Tehsildar, BSF officers and other sectoral officers.

During the interactions, the Prabhari Officers discussed the draft village development plans in detail and invited suggestions from the local inhabitants regarding priority infrastructure and public welfare requirements. The residents actively participated in the deliberations and projected several demands aimed at improving civic amenities and quality of life in the border villages.

The Prabhari Officers assured the residents that their aspirations and suggestions would be duly considered and incorporated while finalising the village development plans under Vibrant Village Programme 2.0.

Later, the Prabhari Officers convened a review meeting with district and sectoral officers at the DC Office Complex, Kathua. Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma was also present during the meeting.

Reviewing the suggestions received from the villages, O.P. Bhagat directed the concerned departments to examine the feasibility of installation of a handpump near the BSF range and development of a pond in Rathua village. For Karol Krishna village, he called for provision of an open gym, park, indoor recreational facilities, road widening works and construction of toilets near bunkers as projected by the inhabitants.

Similarly, Pankaj Magotra emphasized augmentation of drinking water filtration facilities in Kadyala and Gujjar Chak villages. He also called for establishment of a library and ATM facility in Kadyala, construction of a new Health and Wellness Centre building at Chandra Chak and installation of adequate street lighting in the identified villages.

The Prabhari Officers directed the concerned departments to expedite preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the identified projects so that the proposals could be incorporated into the final village development plans without delay.

The DC assured that all suggestions and directions emerging from the field visits and review meeting would be appropriately reflected in the final plans. He further instructed the concerned officers to complete DPRs for the proposed works at the earliest to facilitate timely implementation of development initiatives under Vibrant Village Programme 2.0.

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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