POONCH: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Pankaj Magotra today chaired a meeting to assess the status and implementation of projects under the District Capex Budget 2024-25. The meeting primarily focused on works taken up under the PRI, BDC and DDC grants, being executed by departments of Public Works Department (PWD) and Rural Development Department (RDD).

Additionally, the ADDC conducted an in depth review of works under the Power Development Department (PDD), Jal Shakti Department, Ground Water Department, District Youth Services and Sports Department and the Health and Education Departments. The ADDC emphasized the need for focused and coordinated efforts to ensure the expedited execution of developmental projects.

Stressed was laid on completion of the ongoing works related to the Health and Education departments priority. “Projects affected by disputes, if not resolvable in a practical manner, should be discontinued and not retained in the plan for the year ahead” he said. The Chief Education Officer was specifically instructed to allocate sufficient funds for works so that they are not left incomplete. The ADDC highlighted the importance of rational fund distribution and advised against allocating inadequate funds to individual projects.

Further, he instructed that low cost works should preferably be executed by the RDD, considering their capacity to deliver efficiently at the grassroots level. He also directed that all non started works under the District Capex should be reviewed thoroughly. Taking strong note of the lack of progress in certain sectors, the ADDC asked the Ground Water Division to furnish a written report explaining why a significant number of assigned works have not been initiated despite allocation of funds. He also emphasized that feasibility of the works and fund requirement should always be obtained from the concerned executing agencies before funds are proposed for any work, to ensure realistic planning and efficient use of financial resources.

The meeting was attended by district officers including Assistant Commissioner Panchayats having additional charge of Assistant Commissioner Development, Executive Engineers Jal Shakti and PDD, Executive Engineer PWD Division Surankote, Assistant Executive Engineer REW, District Panchayat Officer Poonch, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Assistant Engineers from PWD Mendhar and Poonch, and Section Officers.

The ADDC concluded the meeting by directing all departments to maintain transparency, strengthen inter departmental coordination, and focus on fast tracking the completion of ongoing projects under the Capex Budget with sincerity and urgency. The ADDC also emphasized the need for preparedness and departmental readiness ahead of the upcoming District Development Council meeting.

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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