Govt committed to public welfare, equitable development: Sakeena

Baramulla, Apr 25: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday visited Baramulla and laid foundation stone of various important projects and also inaugurated key college building of Government Degree College (Women) Baramulla.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Baramulla, Javid Hassan Baig; MLA Uri, Dr. Sajad Shafi; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla , S.F Hamid; Director Higher Education and other senior officers from the district.
At Government Degree College (Women) Baramulla, the Minister inaugurated newly constructed Science Block.
Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo said that the Omar Abdullah-led Government remains firmly committed to public welfare, equitable development and empowerment of every section of society through quality education and improved institutional infrastructure.
She stated that education is the strongest pillar for building a progressive and prosperous society, and the Government is focused on ensuring that students, particularly girls and those from marginalized communities, receive better opportunities, facilities, and academic support.
Highlighting the importance of the newly inaugurated Science Block, the Minister said that it will significantly enhance the academic capacity of the college by providing modern laboratory facilities, improved classroom space, and a stronger platform for science education among female students.
“The inauguration of the Science Block is expected to significantly enhance academic infrastructure and provide improved laboratory and learning facilities to students, particularly encouraging greater participation of women in science education. Our Government remains committed towards creating an enabling educational environment where every student can thrive. We are determined to bridge gaps in access, infrastructure, and opportunity,” the Minister stated.
Speaking regarding the importance of women’s education, Sakeena Itoo described women as the true torchbearers of society and said they are less than none in any field of life.
“Women are the backbone of families and communities. They are leaders, creators, educators, and changemakers. When we educate and empower women, we strengthen the entire society. Our daughters are capable of achieving the highest milestones, and it is our responsibility to provide them with every possible support,” she added.
Acknowledging that women are facing difficulties in society, Sakeena Itoo called upon all the girl students to come forward and choose field as per their wishes and whims, adding the women have proven their mettle by occupying high positions and taking decisions at higher levels on most important matters of Jammu and Kashmir for the welfare of people.
The Minister, in her address, also condemned the use of abusive language on social media against women, saying it reflected the failure and weakness of those indulging in it.
“I am open to discussions and criticism but use of foul language on platforms like Facebook is unacceptable. If you want to have a discussion, you can do it with me. You can discuss it with the MLAs of the government”, she said.
MLA Baramulla, Javid Hassan Beigh also spoke on the occasion and reflected on various achievements of the government.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal GDC Women Baramulla, Prof. Neelofar Bhat presented the brief report on the college.
On the occasion, the Minister also released the Annual College Magazine ‘SONZAL’ of GDC Women Baramulla.
Later, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a Drug De-addiction Centre at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla which will provide specialized treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services to individuals affected by substance abuse, aligning with the government’s ongoing efforts to combat drug addiction under Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir.
She also laid the foundation stone for Autopsy/Mortuary Centre at GMC Baramulla. The facility will help streamline medico-legal procedures and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare services in the region.
In the meanwhile, the Education Minister also laid the foundation stone for ST-PG Hostel at Government Degree College Boys Baramulla, which will provide residential facilities to students belonging to Scheduled Tribe, ensuring better access to higher education.
She also laid foundation stone for 100-bedded Girls Hostel at Government Degree College (Boys) Baramulla, built with an aim to address accommodation challenges and promoting women’s education by creating a safe and supportive environment for female students pursuing higher studies.
Speaking on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in both education and healthcare sectors, emphasizing inclusive growth and improved service delivery.
The Minister stated that the infrastructure projects for which the foundation stones were laid today will be completed within stipulated timelines. She highlighted that these projects will play a vital role in enhancing accessibility, quality and equity in essential public services of the district.