KUPWARA: Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), Vikas Kundal, visited the border Sub-Division Karnah and reviewed the progress of developmental works being executed under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) Phase-II in the identified villages of Gundi Gujran and Jabdi.

Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse and other senior officers accompanied the Chairman during the visit. The Chairman convened an inter-departmental review meeting at Mini Secretariat, Tangdhar, to assess the developmental profile and implementation status of various projects being undertaken in the two Vibrant Villages.

The meeting was attended by Secretary JKSSB, Khurshid Ahmad Sanai; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Karnah, Mohd Raiyaz; Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer and BDO, Executive Engineer Tangdhar and other district and sectoral officers.

On the occasion, the SDM Karnah presented a detailed overview of the socio-economic and developmental status of the villages. It was informed that Gundi Gujran comprises of 567 households with a population of 1,819 while Jabdi has 135 households with a population of 739.

The Chairman reviewed sector-wise progress in road connectivity, tele connectivity, power supply,drinking water supply, education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, social welfare and rural development.

Stressing the importance of timely execution, he directed the concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of all ongoing works for achieving the objectives of the Vibrant Village Programme. Later, Vikas Kundal, along with the Deputy Commissioner, conducted a public outreach programme at Government High School Gundi Shart, where the residents of Gundi Gujran and Jabdi projected various development issues and public demands.

Interacting with the public, the Chairman JK SSB directed the Roads and Buildings department to expedite all ongoing road projects and ensure their completion before the onset of winter. He emphasized promotion of livelihood generation through schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mission Yuva and cooperative initiatives. He also called for strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative institutions to enhance the economic opportunities and self-reliance among the rural households.

Among the issues raised by the public were the requirement of permanent paramedical staff at the Health Centre, Jabdi and construction of a community marriage hall. Responding to the public demands, the Chairman directed the concerned officers to take appropriate measures for their early redress.

The Chairman also instructed the line departments to conduct regular awareness and outreach programmes to ensure wider public participation and effective dissemination of information regarding the government welfare schemes and developmental initiatives.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards the holistic development of border areas Vikas Kundal said that the Vibrant Village Programme aims at strengthening the infrastructure, improving public service delivery, expanding livelihood opportunities and enhancing the overall quality of life in remote border villages. 

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner informed that a comprehensive action plan was being formulated to project the important local demands for consideration at the appropriate level. He assured that facilities such as a playfield and a library would be developed to support the educational and recreational aspirations of local youth.

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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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