KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting at the Meeting Hall of the New DC Office Complex, Kishtwar, to review preparations and finalize arrangements for the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas–2026 from November 1 to 15, 2026 across the district.

The meeting focused on ensuring effective implementation of the programme through coordinated departmental efforts, community participation, awareness activities and targeted outreach to tribal habitations, with particular emphasis on the welfare, empowerment and socio-economic development of tribal communities.

PO ICDS (Nodal Officer, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas) Rishi Kumar Sharma delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the key themes, proposed activities, day-wise schedule and responsibilities assigned to various departments for the successful conduct of the 15-day programme.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to ensure 100% saturation of eligible beneficiaries under various tribal welfare schemes in all 19 identified tribal villages. He directed all District and Sectoral Heads of the concerned line departments to submit the day-wise activity schedule of their respective departments positively by October 26, 2026 (Monday), to facilitate effective planning and coordination.

Emphasizing the need to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach every eligible beneficiary, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to organize dedicated awareness and outreach activities regarding UT Government schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, particularly those aimed at tribal welfare. He stressed that field-level participation by officers of line departments is essential to ensure effective implementation and meaningful engagement with tribal communities, including those residing in remote and far-flung areas.

The DC also emphasized the importance of facilitating the creation and updation (wherever required) of essential beneficiary documents, including ABHA cards, Aadhaar cards and e-Shram cards, along with registration under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).

He further emphasized the need to ensure enrolment of eligible tribal beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and other social security and financial inclusion schemes, with a special focus on expanding insurance coverage and ensuring access to financial security benefits for tribal households. He also laid special emphasis on organizing awareness programmes on the POCSO Act and child marriage, particularly in tribal habitations and educational institutions, to promote child safety, education and awareness of legal safeguards.

The Jal Shakti Department was specifically directed to undertake testing and cleaning of water sources, with particular focus on the 19 identified tribal villages to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed all concerned departments to undertake Swachhata activities across the district, especially in the 19 identified tribal villages, as an integral component of the programme, promoting cleanliness, hygiene and environmental responsibility.

The Deputy Commissioner directed each concerned department to nominate a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to ensure seamless coordination and timely implementation of the assigned activities. He also instructed departments to share photographs and videos of their respective events in the designated WhatsApp group on a daily basis for effective documentation and monitoring of the programme.

The 15-day observance will culminate on November 15, 2026, with a district-level mega event commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter.

The concluding programme will feature floral tributes and activities highlighting his contribution to India's freedom struggle, along with the rich cultural heritage, traditions and achievements of tribal communities.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all District and Sectoral Heads of the line departments to work in close collaboration and ensure that the programme translates into tangible benefits for tribal communities through effective grassroots-level implementation, enhanced awareness and wider access to government welfare schemes.

The meeting was attended by CEO KDA Kaiser Bhawani; CPO Akhil Thakur; GM DIC Mohsin Raza; ACD Manoj Kumar; ACP Neeraj Sharma; DSWO/DIO Tariq Parvez Qazi; CAO Kushal Chandel; CHO Sajid Mustafa; DFO Mahesh Thakur; DFO Vishal Chaudhary; DNO Ayush Dy. CEO Masood Ahmed Qazi and other officers, officials and representatives from GDC and ITI.

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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