Sustained efforts being made to ensure inclusive, equitable development across J&K: Sakeena

Srinagar, May 8: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of various ongoing developmental projects being executed by the Education, Health and Social Welfare departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Minister conducted a detailed department-wise review and assessed project monitoring mechanisms, fund utilization and inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective execution of developmental initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing the Education department projects, the Minister assessed the progress on construction and upgradation of school buildings, establishment of smart classrooms, augmentation of laboratory and library facilities and improvement of basic amenities in educational institutions. She directed officers to ensure quality infrastructure in schools and colleges so that students receive a better and more conducive learning environment.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of modern educational facilities in rural and far-flung areas and instructed officials to expedite pending works on priority. “Special focus should be laid on enhancing digital learning infrastructure and ensuring adequate basic facilities in educational institutions”, she stated.
While reviewing the Health Department initiatives, the Minister took stock of ongoing works related to hospital infrastructure, upgradation of medical facilities and strengthening of healthcare delivery systems. She stressed on the importance of providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people, especially those residing in remote and underserved areas.
The Minister directed the concerned authorities to accelerate the pace of work on healthcare projects and ensure availability of essential medical equipment, medicines and manpower at all health institutions. She also asked the officers to constitute a committee for assessing the status of lifts, Oxygen plants, public utilities and other aspects in the hospitals and submit its report within a weeks time.
Regarding social welfare sector, the Minister instructed officials to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under different social welfare schemes and directed them to conduct awareness drives so that people are fully informed about the government initiatives available for their welfare and empowerment.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards inclusive and equitable development, Sakeena Itoo maintained that sustained efforts are being made to strengthen public service delivery and create robust infrastructure in these key sectors across J&K. “Ensure timely completion of all projects so that benefits reach the people without delay”, Sakeena Itoo stated.
She urged officers to work with dedication, maintain transparency and ensure that all developmental projects are completed within stipulated timelines.
She instructed the officers to consult local MLAs of the respective areas while planning developmental projects in these places. She also directed the officers to execute all the projects and works announced under the Budget and complete them within the stipulated time frames.
The meeting, among others, was attended by Director Finance and Director Planning of Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education departments, senior officers of these departments and other concerned officers.