JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu organized "Vittamanthan," the post Budget 2024-25 insightful discussion and analysis, on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, at the Mandapam Auditorium, IIM Jammu, Jagti Campus. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presided over the inaugural ceremony. The session commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolizing the dissemination of knowledge and insight.

The key inaugural address was delivered by Shri Santosh. D. Vaidya, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government (J&K), Finance Department, who joined the event online. He emphasized the necessity of implementing major reforms in the service sector to propel India towards achieving a status comparable to China in the manufacturing and global service sectors. He pointed out that for a middle-income country like India to progress, it is crucial to maintain stringent control over fiscal deficits. Additionally, he recognized and appreciated the significant investments made by the central government in expanding medical education and improving access to healthcare services for the underprivileged. He highlighted that these investments are essential steps towards ensuring that quality healthcare and educational opportunities are accessible to all segments of society, which in turn will drive overall economic and social development.

The event began with a warm welcome address by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. He provided a brief introduction to the budget 2024-25, highlighting its focus on women, farmers, youth, and the economically disadvantaged. He emphasized the steps outlined in the budget to develop infrastructure and create employment opportunities for the youth through higher education. During his address, he mentioned key highlights such as the significant reduction in the fiscal deficit, a drop in the inflation rate, and an increase in the budget. He also noted the substantial boost in research and development funding, underscoring the importance of self-reliance for market survival.

Following the inaugural address, an interactive panel discussion was held, featuring prominent speakers ranging from Shri Narinder Khajuria, Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Govt. of J&K, Shri Arun Kumar Manhas, JKAS, Director, Industries and Commerce, Govt. of J&K Shri Khalid Jahangir, JKAS, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation, Dr. M.A. Alim, Vice-Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), J&K and CEO, Packaging Design Industry.

Shri Narinder Khajuria, Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Govt. of J&K in his interaction highlighted cities as economic growth centres, emphasizing brownfield development and water management. Shri Arun Kumar Manha, JKAS, Director, Industries and Commerce, J&K Govt in his interaction mentioned on MSME support, budget amendments, and the impact of industrial corridors on India's economy. Shri Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation in his address described the budget as growth-oriented, with reduced tax rates and indexation benefits for government employees. Dr. M.A. Alim, Vice-Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), J&K and CEO, Packaging Design Industry in his address explained indexation's role in adjusting asset costs for inflation, benefiting government employees and reducing long-term capital gains tax. This was followed by a Q&A interaction where students engaged in fruitful discussions with the experts. The dignitaries were given a campus tour of the Institute, including the Nalanda Library, the state-of-the-art library at IIM Jammu.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Ashish Kumar, Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu, and Dr. Naveen Goyal, Assistant Professor, IIM Jammu. Present on the occasion were Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu and event was coordinated by Dr. Bijoy Rakshit, Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dr. Malay Ranjan Mohapatra, faculty, IIM Jammu. The event was organized jointly by Impact, the Public Policy Club, Artha, the Economics Club, and Nidhi, the Finance Club, of IIM Jammu showcasing the collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering insightful dialogue on crucial economic issues.

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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