• Reviews Amarnathji Yatra arrangements, chairs multi-departmental meetings in Kathua

JAMMU: With a view to strengthen the delivery of transport-related services, road safety and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Transport, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department, Jammu Division.

The meeting was attended by the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Jammu, Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) from all districts of Jammu Division, and other key officials. The meeting focused on streamlining the transport services, enhancing public safety and ensuring citizen-centric governance.

The Minister took a detailed assessment of the current status of online services and directed the officials to ensure prompt, efficient and hassle-free access to digital platforms for all transport-related services. He also called for timely dispatch of Driving License Cards and urged the department to minimise delays by adopting streamlined processes.

Satish Sharma emphasised on organizing massive road safety awareness drives and educational campaigns targeting all categories of road users. He advocated for periodic medical examinations of drivers to ensure fitness and reduce road accident risks. Stressing on the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly among the commercial drivers and youth, the Minister directed that dedicated awareness and de-addiction camps be held regularly across the districts, in collaboration with health and social welfare departments.

The Minister instructed the officers to intensify field-level enforcement using advanced monitoring tools, ensuring strict vigilance on traffic violations. He also called for strict regulation of speed governors in vehicles and insisted on verifying their functionality during routine inspections.

To improve departmental efficiency, the Minister directed for regular training and exposure visits of transport officials to other states for learning and adopting best practices. He also highlighted the need for field verification of safety barriers, periodic audits of accident-prone road stretches and immediate updating of vehicle owner contact details for improved service delivery.

The Minister directed for holding regular review meetings  to ensure the renewal of registration for aged vehicles as per environmental and mechanical fitness norms. He stressed that the department must adopt a proactive, citizen-centric approach and work in close coordination with stakeholders to develop a safe, efficient and responsive transport system across the Union Territory.

The Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of the Transport and related arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra(SANJY) 2025. The Minister, later, held a review meeting  in Hiranagar, Kathua with all concerned departments to review the arrangements for upcoming SANJY, 2025 wherein focus was laid on adequate Transport, Health, clean Food and water, shelter, toilet etc arrangements.

He emphasized the need for a synergetic and coordinated approach among all departments to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra. The meeting was attended by RTO Kathua, SDM Hiranagar, ARTO Kathua, AD FCS&CA Kathua, DYSSO Kathua and other departmental officers/officials. The Minister also attended the Final Match of the Hockey Tournament held at Hockey Club Hiranagar, as chief guest.

MLA Hiranagar and prominent local citizens were also present during the event. The Minister felicitated the winning teams and outstanding players, encouraging youth to actively participate in sports and contribute positively to society. Further, he announced sports kits (hockey) one each for the finalists.

Regarding the Sports ground Hiranagar where the event was held, the Minister assured that the team comprising  officers of Sports Council will be directed to visit the ground and take necessary stocks for its upgradation. Later, Satish Sharma interacted with multiple public delegations at the PWD Guest House, Hiranagar. He patiently heard grievances and demands raised by the people and issued on-the-spot instructions to concerned departments for immediate redressal.

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

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