POONCH: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting to review the performance and functioning of Health, Social Welfare and Education departments in Poonch district.
The meeting was attended by MLA Haveli, Ajaz Ahmed Jan; MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram; Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal; Director Social Welfare Jammu, Director School Education Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Poonch, besides other district and sectoral officers.
While reviewing the functioning of the education sector, the Minister had an in-depth assessment of ongoing works on under-construction buildings. She directed the concerned executing agencies to complete the projects in time so that they can be dedicated to public use at the earliest.
The Minister further directed the Director of School Education to prioritise the deployment of subject-specific teachers and rationalisation of staff, particularly in border zones and far-flung hamlets. She also emphasized the periodic teacher training, strengthening School Management Committees (SMCs) and community involvement in ensuring quality education.
“Education is the foundation for every society and the government is investing both human and infrastructural resources to give children a bright future they deserve,” she stated.
Regarding the health sector, the Minister sought details of all ongoing projects as well as staff positions in healthcare institutions of the district. She directed the Director of Health Services, Jammu, to cancel the attachment of all doctors and send them to their original place of postings immediately. She further called for the deployment of doctors to other remote areas once a week or as needed to provide basic health care services to the public at their doorsteps.
“A healthy society forms the backbone of a progressive region. People living in rural and border areas deserve equitable access to quality healthcare,” the Minister asserted.
She also asked the healthcare department to minimise the referral of the patients to higher institutions.
While reviewing implementation of various social sector schemes in the district, the Minister emphasized the need for transparency in the selection of beneficiaries. She directed the officers to organize more awareness camps in rural and tribal areas to ensure that deserving populations are not left out due to a lack of information and awareness.
“Social welfare must translate into real impact. It’s not just about disbursement but also about dignity and empowerment of the most vulnerable sections of society,” she said.
During the meeting, MLA Haveli and MLA Surankote raised various issues of their concerned constituencies, seeking their immediate redressal.
The Minister assured them these concerns will be addressed promptly.
Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, briefed the Minister about the performance and functioning of each department through a presentation.
He informed the Minister about the enrolments, cadre-wise strength of teaching faculty, infrastructure development, school upgradation and other key school developmental projects, healthcare infrastructure, status of ambulances, work done report and healthcare services being provided to the patients across the district.
He also briefed the Minister about the services being provided by the social welfare department, like old age, widow and PHC pension schemes, state marriage assistance scheme, motarised tricycle scheme, functioning of child care institutions and child protection, one stop centres, District hub for women empowerment and other related aspects.
