SRINAGAR: The Committee on Public Undertakings of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today convened a meeting at the Assembly Complex, Srinagar, to review audit paras pertaining to the Industries & Commerce (JKSIDCO) Department.

The meeting was chaired by Committee Chairman Ali Mohammad Sagar, and attended by members Saifullah Mir, Ali Mohammad Dar, Baldev Raj Sharma, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Showkat Hussain Ganai, Saif Ud Din Bhat and Tanvir Sadiq.

Also present were the Senior Deputy Accountant General, Secretary Industries & Commerce Department, Additional Secretary GAD, Director Handicrafts & Handloom, Director Finance, MD SICOP, DG Finance Expenditure, GM SICOP, MD JKCL, CAO SIDCO/SICOP, Special Secretary Transport Department and other senior officials of the concerned departments.

The Committee held a comprehensive discussion on audit paras 5.3 & 5.4 (2017-18) and 10.3 & 10.4 (2020-21), relating to JKSIDCO. The members examined issues including low capacity utilization of the cement grinding-cum-packing unit at Samba, blocking of funds and unfruitful expenditure on the failed International Trade Centre (ITC) project at Pampore, grant of interest-free advances to small-scale industrial units, and recovery of GST dues.

At the outset, the Chairman emphasized the need to tap J&K’s industrial potential for revenue generation and employment opportunities, and called for sustainable measures to strengthen industrial units across the Union Territory.

The Committee directed the concerned departments to submit detailed reports on the status of operations and defunct units in J&K. It also stressed on ensuring timely completion of projects such as the ITC, aimed at promoting local artisans and handicrafts. Further, the Chairman instructed that responsibility be fixed on officers for delays and negligence in implementation of projects.

The Committee also reviewed the status of all ongoing projects and directed departments to submit a comprehensive progress report within 15 days. Underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability, the Chairman called for rigorous audits, updated status reports of all public undertakings, and submission of relevant audit documentation to facilitate informed decision-making and necessary reforms.

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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