Govt committed to expand access to quality education in remote areas of J&K: Sakeena

Udhampur, May 15: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Friday inaugurated newly constructed building of Government Degree College (GDC) Majalta in Udhampur district amid great applause and enthusiasm from the students and locals of the area.
MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania; Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Minga Sherpa; Director School Education Jammu, Director Colleges, Director Health Services Jammu, Principal of the college, faculty members, large number of students and locals were also present on the occasion.
In her address, Sakeena Itoo congratulated the college fraternity and local community on the successful completion of the permanent campus building. She highlighted the Government’s commitment towards expanding access to quality education and ensuring better educational opportunities for students living in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister laid special emphasis on the urgent need for building a drug-free society and called upon educational institutions to play a proactive role in spreading awareness against substance abuse. She stressed that the youth are the backbone of the nation and must be guided towards constructive, creative and socially responsible pursuits.
She urged students to stay away from drugs and harmful addictions, stating that substance abuse not only destroys individual lives but also adversely affects families and society at large. She further emphasized the importance of counselling, awareness campaigns, sports activities and community participation in combating the menace of drug addiction.
The Minister further said that educational institutions as centres of moral guidance and discipline, have significant role for making young minds to remain focused on education, character-building and nation-building.
She highlighted that the inauguration of this permanent college building marks a significant chapter in the growth and development of Government Degree College Majalta and stands as a testament to the collective commitment of Government towards strengthening higher education in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania lauded the efforts of the college administration and reiterated his commitment towards educational upliftment in the constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education emphasized on the importance of quality higher education, youth empowerment and infrastructural development in rural institutions.
In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Shalini Sharma presented a detailed and momentous report highlighting the achievements, academic progress and developmental journey of Government Degree College Majalta. She expressed gratitude to the Government and the Higher Education department for their unwavering support in strengthening educational infrastructure in the region.
She stated that the newly inaugurated building would provide a modern academic environment and greatly benefit students from remote and rural areas.
The Minister, on the occasion, also released the college newsletter.
Earlier, Sakeena Itoo also planted a sapling in the college premises, symbolizing the commitment towards environmental conservation and a greener future. She also inspected the campus and appreciated the infrastructural facilities created for the students of the college.
During the programme, students of the college presented theme-based cultural performances and Nukkad Natak on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.