JAMMU/SRINAGAR: To ensure greater transparency and accountability in the execution of MGNREGA works, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Jammu & Kashmir, organized a one-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Geo-MGNREGA and Geofencing. Separate sessions were conducted in Kashmir and Jammu divisions, targeting Master Trainers and members of the District Resource Teams, including District GIS Coordinators, Technical Assistants and other field-level officials.

The workshop focused on the updated Geo-MGNREGA Mobile App (v3.5), which now features advanced tools such as point, line, and polygon mapping, real-time GIS tracking, and photo capture from system-defined locations. These enhancements aim to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the execution of MGNREGA works.

The training covered geotagging of assets using the upgraded mobile app, which now allows data capture across all stages of asset development – before, during, and after. Participants were trained to walk across the linear or area-based features to create accurate geospatial data and buffer zones for photographic evidence.

Three resource persons from each district participated in the workshop. During the sessions, they explained the step-by-step use of the mobile app-from device registration and asset synchronization to map-based navigation, GPS tracking, and photo uploads.

The sessions also included hands-on practice for participants on geofencing, which enables the identification and restriction of similar work types within the same financial year and area. Trainers emphasized the importance of meeting the 80% overlap threshold in “during” and “after” stages for validation of geotagged work.

Additional Secretary RD&PR, Waseem Raja, presided over the sessions and emphasized the critical role that technology-driven governance plays in ensuring accountability and real-time monitoring of rural development works. He said that the integration of Geo-MGNREGA and Geofencing is a transformative move towards evidence-based implementation of MGNREGA. “It not only minimizes the chances of duplication and ghost works but also enhances transparency and citizen trust in public works,” he said.

He urged all district and block-level officers to ensure that this knowledge is cascaded effectively to Panchayat Secretaries, GRSs, and Technical Assistants, ensuring 100% adoption of the new system.

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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