The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

JAMMU: Secretary, Information Technology Department, Rahul Yadav, today chaired a meeting to review the progress of key projects and initiatives of the Department. The meeting was attended by Rachna Sharma, Additional Secretary, IT; Jaskaran Modi, State Informatics Officer (SIO), NIC, along with the team and other officers of IT, SeMT and JaKeGA.

During the review, the Secretary stressed that the work relating the establishment and operationalisation of the IT Directorate needs to be expedited to ensure its timely progress. He also underscored the importance of augmentation of the State Data Centre, noting that the concerned teams are already working on the initiative. He directed that the augmentation work be taken forward in a coordinated manner and completed within the stipulated timelines.

Emphasizing the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in governance and public service delivery, the Secretary observed that AI is an important component of the Department's ongoing digital transformation efforts. He directed the concerned teams to expedite the development and implementation of identified AI use cases. He directed that the team constituted for AI initiatives be assigned specific departments for focused coordination and implementation of the use cases. He also stressed the need for close collaboration with IIT and BISAG to provide the required technical support and ensure timely implementation.

The Secretary was also apprised of the status of preparedness for implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. He directed the Department to take all necessary steps in a time-bound manner and ensure coordinated action for its implementation within the prescribed timelines.

Earlier, Additional Secretary IT presented an overview of the major projects and initiatives being undertaken by the Department. These included matters related to the IT Cadre, State Data Centre (SDC), MeghRaj Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, among other key initiatives.

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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