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SRINAGAR: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad today chaired a preparatory meeting with district officials to review arrangements for the upcoming “Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025” campaign, to be held from September 17 to October 2 across Jammu and Kashmir.

This year’s campaign, themed “Swachhotsav”, will focus on transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), cleanliness of public spaces, organization of Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs, eco-friendly festivities, and community-driven advocacy initiatives. The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra, SEs REW Jammu/Kashmir, ACPs, and all Executive Engineers of REW.

Highlighting the campaign strategy, the Secretary emphasized the urgent mapping and transformation of CTUs, and directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for waste collection, transportation, and eco-friendly disposal. He urged active participation of NGOs, PSUs, and CSR partners in adopting CTUs, supporting beautification through tree plantations, murals, and public art installations.

A special focus of SHS 2025 will be the welfare of sanitation workers through ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs’, single-window health camps providing access to labor welfare schemes and Ayushman Bharat benefits. The Secretary stressed timely distribution of PPE kits and safety gear to safeguard workers’ health and dignity.

The campaign also encourages eco-friendly, single-use plastic-free festivities supported by cultural activities such as Swachhata Ki Rangoli, painting competitions, and community events at public and tourist locations.

On September 25, J&K will observe the nationwide “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan drive, wherein citizens, government departments, and community groups will jointly participate in a one-hour, UT-wide cleanliness campaign. All activities will be uploaded on the dedicated IT portal to ensure transparency and accountability.

Coinciding with Dussehra and culminating on Swachh Bharat Diwas (October 2), the fortnight-long campaign will include Prabhat Pheris, recognition of Safai Mitras, inaugurations of SBM-related infrastructure, and awards for best-performing local bodies and volunteers including NCC, NSS, NYKS, and My Bharat groups.

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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