Pampore, : Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health & Medical Education, SakeenaItoo, Thursday visited Pampore Constituency and inaugurated multiple development projects, aimed at strengthening the educational, healthcare and public service infrastructure in the area.
The Minister was accompanied by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pampore, Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi; MLA Tral, Rafiq Ahmad Naik; MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para and MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir.
Earlier in the day, the Minister inaugurated the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Pulwama main building at Pampore. The project is expected to provide enhanced facilities for teacher education, training and capacity building.
On the occasion, SakeenaItoo said that strengthening the institutions dedicated to teacher training is essential for improving the quality of school education and equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills required to meet the emerging educational needs. She highlighted that government is committed towards modernising the education sector and creating better institutional facilities for students, teachers and other stakeholders. She said that investments in educational infrastructure, coupled with continuous professional development of teachers, are important for building a responsive and future-ready education system.
On the occasion, Minister also distributed regularisation orders among 17 CPWs. She described the step as an important measure towards the welfare and professional security of the concerned workers and highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening social welfare mechanisms and ensuring support to personnel working in this sector.
Later, SakeenaItoo along with the accompanying MLAs, inaugurated the Science Laboratory Block at Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore.
Addressing the gathering in the auditorium of GDC Pampore, the Minister said that a college is not merely a physical structure but an institution that shapes the intellectual, social and professional growth of young people. She emphasised the need to make higher education more responsive to the changing aspirations of students and the evolving requirements of the employment landscape.
Referring to the year-on-year increase in enrolment at GDC Pampore, SakeenaItoo appreciated the college faculty and staff for their efforts in strengthening the institution and creating a conducive academic environment. She said that the growing enrolment reflects increasing interest among the students in pursuing higher education locally.
The Minister said that the students possess considerable talent and potential and stressed the need for a skill-oriented and innovation-driven curriculum that enables them to translate academic learning into practical capabilities. She also called for sustained efforts towards creating a safe, comfortable and inclusive campus environment where the students can pursue their studies with confidence.
She urged the college authorities to continue encouraging co-curricular activities, innovation and skill development alongside academics so that students are better prepared for higher studies, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
SakeenaItoo also released the 2nd issue of biannual college newsletter “Shakh-e-Zafran” and unveiled “Oneirataxia,” a collection of poems authored by Dr. Gazala Gayas, Principal, Government Degree College Pampore.
Subsequently, the Minister visited and inaugurated the New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) at Mandakpal and Shari Shali, Pampore. She took stock of the facilities available at the newly inaugurated health institutions and reviewed the arrangements being put in place for providing healthcare services to the local population.
The Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level and ensuring that people, particularly those residing in rural and underserved areas, have access to essential health services closer to their homes.
During the visit, the Minister was accompanied by Director Colleges, J&K; Director Health Services Kashmir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora; Joint Director, SCERT; Chief Education Officer Pulwama; Chief Medical Officer Pulwama; District Social Welfare Officer Pulwama; and Tehsildar Pampore, among other officers and officials.
