JAMMU: Minister for Cooperatives, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the Cooperative department has stepped up efforts to safeguard the cooperative assets across Jammu and Kashmir besides undertaking broader reforms to strengthen this vital sector.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Narinder Singh Raina, the Minister said that as per the latest assessment, the cooperative institutions own 728 kanal of land, of which, 694 kanal is in possession while 36 kanal and 12 marla (around 5%) is under illegal encroachment.

The Minister informed that in the Kashmir Division, about 12 kanal and 16 marla of cooperative land is affected, with cases reported from Baramulla, Bandipora and Srinagar, involving litigation, legacy occupation and local disputes.

Similarly, in the Jammu Division, around 23 kanal and 8.5 marla of cooperative land is under encroachment across Jammu, Kathua and Kishtwar districts, mainly due to demarcation issues, documentation gaps and ongoing court cases, he said.

Javid Dar added that the department is actively pursuing legal remedies and coordinating with the district authorities for recovery of the encroached land, though ongoing litigation has slowed down eviction and retrieval in several cases.

Highlighting structural reforms, Javid Ahmad Dar said the Government has initiated a comprehensive reform process to address issues in the cooperative legal framework. He added that the proposed reforms aim to make a robust legislation with stronger audit provisions, improved accountability and uniform governance standards, which will significantly strengthen the functioning of cooperative institutions and safeguard the cooperative assets.

Minister assured the House that the Government will take all necessary measures to safeguard the Cooperative Society land and ensure that illegal encroachments are addressed strictly in accordance with the law.

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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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