In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Chairman, National Commission for Minorities (NCM),  Harjit Singh Grewal, today chaired a review meeting with the senior officers of Jammu and Kashmir Administration to assess implementation of welfare schemes, security arrangements and grievance redressal mechanisms for minority communities in the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray; Special Director General of Police, Uttam Chand; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Vikas Kundal; IGP Jammu Zone, Tejinder Singh; Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Minga Sherpa; Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu, Joginder Singh; Director, Social Welfare Department Jammu, Ranjeet Singh besides senior officers of  concerned departments.

During the meeting, Secretary, Social Welfare Department delivered a detailed presentation on various welfare initiatives and measures being undertaken for socio-economic development of minority communities. The presentation covered government welfare schemes, educational assistance, financial support programmes and other initiatives aimed at ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive the intended benefits.

Director Social Welfare Department presented district-wise details of schemes being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir for minority welfare. These included Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) and other relevant schemes. The presentation also highlighted the physical and financial status of these initiatives and efforts to improve access to benefits at the grassroots level.

The Chairman reviewed the status of grievances received from minority communities and the action taken by the concerned departments. Emphasis was laid on timely redressal of complaints, effective coordination among departments and regular follow-up to ensure that genuine grievances are addressed appropriately. Issues concerning educational opportunities and the promotion of Punjabi language were also discussed.

The meeting deliberated on the safety and security of minority and migrant communities in Jammu and Kashmir. The importance of continued monitoring of the security situation, coordination between security agencies and district administrations, and appropriate measures to address the concerns of vulnerable communities was highlighted.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between the National Commission for Minorities, the Social Welfare Department and other concerned authorities to address the issues affecting the minority communities. He encouraged the officers and community representatives to bring specific grievances and concerns to the notice of the Commission and the administration for examination and appropriate action.

The Chairman also stressed the need to examine community-specific demands at the appropriate departmental and administrative levels, particularly those relating to education, language promotion and welfare. He underscored the importance of constructive dialogue, inter-departmental coordination and regular follow-up in resolving genuine grievances and ensuring the effective implementation of welfare initiatives.

The meeting provided a platform to review the ongoing measures, highlight key concerns and strengthen coordination between the National Commission for Minorities and the Jammu and Kashmir Administration for the welfare, security and socio-economic development of minority communities.

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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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