Govt committed to expand access to quality higher education in rural, remote areas: Sakeena

Reasi, Dec 27: Minister for Education, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo Saturday inaugurated newly constructed Academic Block of Government Degree College (GDC) Pouni in Reasi district, marking a significant milestone in strengthening higher education infrastructure in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education in rural and remote areas. She said that the new academic block will provide a conducive learning environment for students and help enhance academic activities at the college.
The Minister reiterated that Government is focused on improving the educational standards of higher educational institutions, adding that investment in education is an investment in the future of youth and society at large.
“The newly inaugurated block is equipped with modern classrooms, lecture halls and essential facilities aimed at improving teaching-learning outcomes”, Minister Sakeena said.
She further highlighted that such infrastructure development reflects the Government’s resolve to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all.
Interacting with students and faculty members on the occasion, the Minister encouraged students to make optimum use of the facilities and focus on academic excellence and skill development. She also assured that the government would continue to address the needs of educational institutions to further strengthen the higher education sector.
On the sidelines of the event, Minister Sakeena also interacted with public delegations and locals of the area and took stock of their grievances and issues. The locals projected various issues pertaining to their respective areas before the Minister and sought their timely redressal.
While interacting with these delegations and locals, Minister Sakeena reiterated the Government’s commitment to transparent, people-centric governance and emphasized that public outreach programmes play a vital role in bridging the gap between the administration and the common people. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts by line departments to ensure timely delivery of public services, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.
The Minister also urged officers to remain accessible to the public and address grievances at the grassroots level, ensuring that welfare schemes reach their intended beneficiaries. She encouraged locals to actively participate in developmental initiatives and share constructive feedback for better planning and execution of projects.
MLA, Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey; MLA Gulabgarh, Engineer Khursheed Ahmad; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Shantamanu; Director Colleges, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz Bashir; Principal GDC Pouni Reasi, senior officers of Higher Education department, faculty members, students and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.