ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today unfurled the National Flag at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College Boys here to mark the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
She inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC and students of various schools.
In her Republic Day address, Minister Sakeena highlighted the significance of Republic Day, adding that on this day Constitution was implemented in India and our country became a democratic nation.
She also said that this supreme day reminds us that the original power lies in the public rather than any institution or person.
The Minister, in her address, highlighted the key achievements of the Government during the past 15 months, stating that focused governance, people-centric policies, and transparent administration have strengthened public service delivery across sectors, particularly in health, education, social welfare, R&B and others. She remarked that J&K is witnessing a new dawn of development in every sector since this Government led by Omar Abdullah took over. “J&K is a welfare state; implementation of various welfare schemes has been made effective, and the deserving persons are reaping the benefits of these schemes,” she stated.
Minister Sakeena further said that various welfare measures like increasing the marriage assistance scheme, old age pension, widow pension, disability pension, besides the removal of the education bar for availing the marriage assistance scheme has been some remarkable achievements of the Government in the last 12-14 months.
The Minister also said that the health infrastructure has been upgraded across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on rural and far-flung areas. She added that doctors and other needful medical staff has been posted in hospitals and health centres in rural and peripheral areas in order to have the best treatment facilities for the public near their vicinities.
“The health sector has witnessed rapid transformation in J&K. Cath Labs, MRI facilities, CT Scans, and other high end medical facilities are being established in all GMCs and District Hospitals, Dialysis Centres are also being established in all Sub-district hospitals besides, health care staff has been made accountable for the needs of the public,” she stated.
She also underlined major strides made in the health sector, including strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, improved availability of doctors and paramedical staff, expansion of diagnostic facilities and enhanced outreach of public health schemes, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.
While reflecting on the education sector, Minister Sakeena said that the recent results of 10th and 12th classes have proved that the students of Government schools are capable of achieving anything. She added that the results showcased the improvement in academic activities and the development of the education sector in J&K, particularly in public institutions.
The Minister also spoke about significant progress in education, noting upgrades in school and college infrastructure, promotion of quality learning, digital initiatives and renewed emphasis on skill development to prepare youth for future challenges.
She also said that Agriculture and Horticulture sectors are also witnessing rapid transformation, with effective implementation of various schemes and programmes.
While reflecting on youth centric initiatives of the Government, Minister Sakeena said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is particular about the youth and creating employability avenues for them. She added that the Mission Yuva initiative has been launched by the Government to make youth job givers rather than job seekers. She added that, apart from these initiatives, posts are being referred to recruiting agencies to create employability avenues for our youth.
Speaking about the tourism sector, the Minister remarked that Tourism industry witnessed some blow in last year but due to personal efforts of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other initiatives of the government, tourism is slowly coming back on track. She appealed to all the Citizens of India to come to Jammu & Kashmir and witness the mesmerising beauty of snow-clad mountains and valleys.
Expressing serious concern over the growing drug abuse problem, the Minister called upon senior citizens, parents, teachers and community leaders to play a proactive role in safeguarding the youth from the menace of narcotics. She emphasised that the fight against drugs cannot be won by government agencies alone and requires sustained societal participation.
Minister Sakeena urged law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against drug trafficking networks and ensure strict action against those involved in the illegal trade. She stressed the need for coordinated action, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation measures to protect the younger generation and secure a healthier future for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister also lauded the role of youth in nation-building and encouraged students to channel their energy towards education, innovation and social service. She appealed to them to become ambassadors of peace, discipline and positive change.
The Minister on the occasion also spoke on the developmental milestones of district Anantnag across education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, women and youth empowerment and infrastructural growth under different schemes. She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, improved healthcare infrastructure and women’s welfare as well as empowerment of youth and marginalized sections of society.
The Republic Day celebrations also featured colourful cultural performances by students from various educational institutions, reflecting the spirit of patriotism.
On the sidelines celebrations, Minister Sakeena also felicitated winners and participants for the best march past and cultural performances. Several employees from various departments were also felicitated for their exemplary public service.
