Says public welfare remains foremost priority
Presides mega public outreach programme in Srinagar
RK News Service
Srinagar, June 5: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Thursday reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, saying sustained efforts are underway to strengthen healthcare services, improve educational infrastructure and expand the reach of social welfare programmes across Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the government is focused on ensuring that the benefits of developmental initiatives reach every section of society in a transparent and equitable manner, while enhancing access to essential services across urban and rural areas.
The Minister was presiding over a Mega Public Outreach Programme at Banquet Hall here during which scores of public delegations, individuals and representatives of civil society organizations projected their grievances and developmental demands.
MLA Eidgah, Mubarik Gul; MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar; MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi; MLA Chanapora, Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo; Director School Education Kashmir, ADDC Srinagar, Director Colleges, other senior officers of district administration and large number of locals and public delegations were also present on the occasion.
Interacting extensively with the participants, Minister Sakeena Itoo patiently listened to their concerns and assured them that the Government remains fully committed to addressing genuine public issues in a prompt and effective manner. “Public outreach programmes serve vital platforms for strengthening the connection between the administration and the people while ensuring that governance remains accessible and responsive to citizens’ needs”, she stated.
The Minister directed the officers present to maintain a proactive approach in resolving public grievances and stressed the importance of ensuring timely disposal of complaints. She said that every grievance must be treated with seriousness and sensitivity, adding that responsive governance is essential for building public confidence in Government institutions.
“Public welfare remains the foremost priority of the Government. Officers must ensure that issues brought before them are addressed within stipulated timelines and citizens do not face unnecessary delays in availing government services,” she stated.
Sakeena Itoo further underscored the need for enhanced coordination among various departments to facilitate swift resolution of public issues. She instructed the concerned officials to undertake regular field visits, monitor developmental works on the ground and maintain continuous engagement with the people to better understand and address their concerns.
During the programme, several delegations sought augmentation of healthcare services, upgradation of educational institutions, upgradation of roads, filling of vacant posts in health and education departments, improvement of civic amenities and inclusion of deserving beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. The Minister issued on-the-spot directions in a number of cases and instructed the concerned departments to submit action taken reports on issues requiring further examination.
The Minister also urged the public to actively participate in developmental initiatives and maintain close coordination with local administrations for effective implementation of welfare programmes and public projects.
Senior officers from various departments were present during the outreach programme and provided detailed responses to several issues raised by the participants. Many grievances were addressed on the spot, while others were forwarded to the concerned quarters for immediate follow-up and necessary action.