Associated News Bureau

Sakeena Itoo reviews Education, Health sector scenario in Budgam Constituency , Calls for acceleration of works on ongoing developmental projects

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo held an extensive review of the education and health sector scenario in Budgam constituency in a meeting at Civil Secretariat here today. The meeting was attended by MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi; Special Secretaries of School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare departments, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Colleges, Director Planning/Director Finance of School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare departments, Additional Secretaries of all concerned departments, CMO Srinagar, CMO Budgam, CEO Budgam and other concerned officers. During the review meeting, the Minister took stock of the progress achieved under various schemes and assessed the status of infrastructure development works being executed across the constituency. She directed the officials to maintain close coordination and ensure that projects are completed within stipulated timelines without compromising quality standards. Regarding Government Degree College, Soibugh, the Minister called for expediting the ongoing works so that the project is completed timely and dedicated for public use. on all ongoing developmental projects to ensure timely public benefit. While reviewing other developmental aspects of the Budgam constituency, the Minister directed the concerned officers to prioritise all the issues raised by concerned public representative and take immediate steps for their timely redressal. She also stressed on resolving all the bottlenecks to make satellite campus of Maulana Azad National Urdu University functional at permanent campus. While reviewing the healthcare sector, the Minister sought detailed updates regarding functioning of health institutions, availability of medical staff, medicines, diagnostic facilities and patient care services in the constituency. She instructed the concerned authorities to address gaps on priority and ensure that healthcare institutions remain fully equipped to cater to the needs of the public. She directed the health department for rationalisation of staff in health institutions of cities and towns to fill gaps in rural and peripheral areas. While reviewing other aspects related to health sector, the Minister directed the officers of health department that diagnostic facilities like MRI, CT Scan, USG should be made functional 24x7 in hospitals and GMCs wherever these are available. She also directed the health department to submit a report regarding these facilities availed by patients beyond routine working hours in last one month. Emphasizing the government’s commitment towards strengthening public service delivery, the Minister said that education and healthcare remain priority sectors of the present administration and sustained efforts are being made to improve facilities at the grassroots level. She reiterated that people in both urban and rural areas must receive better educational opportunities and accessible healthcare services. The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare facilities and directed officials to ensure smooth functioning of hospitals and health centres, particularly in remote and underserved areas. She emphasized that patient welfare and quality healthcare services should remain the foremost priority of the department. Reviewing the education sector scenario, Sakeena Itoo assessed the progress on school infrastructure projects, availability of teaching staff, classroom facilities and implementation of various educational initiatives. She directed the officers to focus on improving academic standards and ensuring better learning environments for students. She further called for speedy completion of ongoing school building projects and upgradation works so that students do not face inconvenience. The Minister maintained that modern educational infrastructure is essential for enhancing the quality of education and ensuring equitable opportunities for students across the constituency. During the meeting, the Minister also highlighted the importance of regular monitoring of developmental works and asked officers to ensure transparency and accountability in execution of projects. She said that timely completion of public welfare initiatives is necessary to meet people’s expectations and accelerate overall development in the region.