REASI: In a landmark achievement for Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, Aspirational Block Thakrakote has made an extraordinary leap of 407 positions in NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Ranking, climbing from rank 420 in December 2024 to rank 13 in March 2025. This remarkable improvement reflects the block’s focused progress across five core development sectors identified by NITI Aayog: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Allied Activities, Basic Infrastructure and Social Development.

The significant improvement is the result of continuous monitoring, field visits, and collaborative governance. Repeated review meetings, intensified monitoring and on-ground assessments of Thakrakote by the DC Nidhi Malik, have driven focused developmental action and improved grievance redressal mechanisms.

Among the notable successes, Thakrakote achieved 100% performance in crucial Health & Nutrition indicators such as ANC registration of pregnant women, provision of supplementary nutrition under the ICDS scheme and regular screening for diabetes and hypertension. The district also ensured that 99% of Self-Help Groups received revolving funds under livelihood promotion initiatives. In the Agriculture sector, all targeted Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were formed, every eligible farmer received soil health cards and PM-KISAN beneficiary coverage was fully linked with Aadhaar and land records. Under the basic infrastructure theme, the block reported a 16% rise in completion of housing units under PMAY-G.

To build on this success, DC Reasi Nidhi Malik chaired a high-level review meeting today with district officers to evaluate ongoing works and set a clear roadmap for pushing the block further up the rankings. Emphasis was placed on improving outcomes in Health, ICDS and Education sectors. The CMO was tasked with ensuring full functionality of all health institutions and improving the quality of healthcare services. The CEO was instructed to resolve teaching staff shortages, upgrade infrastructure, and raise the standard of education. The PO ICDS was directed to ensure timely and adequate supply of nutrition at all Anganwadi Centres.

The Deputy Commissioner also underlined the importance of accurate and real-time data reporting, directing all departments to regularly update progress on the development portal to enable better monitoring and planning. Looking ahead, a structured development framework for the financial year was proposed, focusing on improved service delivery, digital connectivity and efficient resource allocation to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. The meeting was attended by ADDC Reasi Sukhdev Singh, CPO Narinder Kumar (virtually), CMO, CEO, DIO, CAHO, BDO and others.

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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