DODA: A preparatory meeting was convened to formulate the District Capex Budget 2025–26 under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh, at the DC Office Complex, Doda. The meeting aimed to discuss and finalize the developmental works and priorities for the district, ensuring that the planning process is need-based, inclusive, and equitable.

Chief Planning Officer, Manesh Kumar Manhas gave a brief PowerPoint presentation about the plan formulation of the District Capex Budget 2025–26. The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Doda, Din Mohammad Afaqi; Assistant Commissioner Panchayats (ACP) Doda, Mushraf Haff; Block Development Officers (BDOs) of various blocks; and representatives from different line departments.

The primary focus of the meeting was to fill the gaps in infrastructure development and adopt indicators-based planning in aspirational blocks and panchayats, prioritizing works as per the gaps and needs of the area in consultation with different stakeholders at the panchayat and block levels.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the prioritization of works in different blocks. The DC directed the BDOs to include proposals for the construction of Anganwadi centres, school buildings, health centres, power infrastructure, water supply schemes and road connectivity in uncovered areas of their respective jurisdictions.

The DC emphasized that all plans should be based on lessons learned from the previous years’ performance, incorporating both the strengths and weaknesses observed. He underscored that planning must reflect the actual and real needs of communities, ensure transparency and promote equitable development across all panchayats and blocks in the district.

He directed the BDOs to draft their aspirational block-level plans themselves, in consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring active community participation and ownership of the process across all indicators. This, he said, would help fill the gaps and bring these blocks at par with other blocks in the district.

The DC highlighted the need to give priority to backward and underserved areas, with special focus on aspirational panchayats and blocks to reduce disparities. He stressed the importance of ensuring convergence of different government schemes and resources to avoid duplication of efforts and wastage of funds.

The DC also directed that all proposals should incorporate environment-friendly practices, such as the use of solar energy and sustainable construction techniques. He called for improving public amenities and essential services to enhance the overall quality of life of the residents, insisting that all works must align with the goals of improving education, healthcare, sanitation, livelihood opportunities, road infrastructure and digital connectivity in the district.

He further instructed that all projects should be technically feasible, financially viable and designed with clear timelines and measurable outcomes, ensuring efficient and timely implementation. The DC asked the BDOs to work proactively towards ensuring the installation of ATMs in uncovered and remote panchayats and blocks, thereby improving access to financial and banking services for rural populations.

He also urged the officers to prioritize and target development works that support women’s empowerment, skill development, and employment. Additionally, he instructed them to reach out to the public, raise awareness about financial literacy and register MGNREGA workers and others under schemes such as PMJSY and PMJJY.

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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