Jammu, Aug 10: Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday called for resilient construction practices, stronger inter-departmental coordination and time-bound delivery of public services while reviewing the functioning of key departments across Jammu division.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the minister assessed the functioning of various departments and reviewed ongoing development and restoration works in the wake of recent cloudbursts. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Health, Education, Social Welfare, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Public Health Engineering, Power Development, Roads and Buildings and other departments, besides principals of government medical colleges in Jammu division.
During the meeting, Itoo undertook a comprehensive review of essential public services, infrastructure restoration, healthcare preparedness, supply of essential commodities and implementation of welfare and education-related schemes.
Taking stock of the damage caused to public infrastructure in Rajouri and other areas affected by recent floods, the minister sought detailed reports on restoration of roads, macadamisation works, drinking water supply and other essential services. She directed departments to ensure close coordination so that people in affected areas do not face prolonged disruption of basic services.
Highlighting the increasing frequency of floods and extreme weather events, Itoo stressed the need for a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development.
“We have to learn from recurring floods and build infrastructure capable of withstanding such challenges. Lightweight and cost-effective construction technologies should be explored wherever feasible so that public money is utilised judiciously while ensuring durability and resilience,” she said.
The minister also reviewed the healthcare scenario in Jammu division and took feedback from health authorities regarding preparedness to tackle water-borne diseases during the monsoon season.
Expressing concern over the spread of dengue and other seasonal diseases, she directed the Health, Education and Public Health Engineering departments to work in close coordination and undertake sustained preventive and awareness measures.
“Dengue prevention requires a coordinated response. Health, Education and PHE departments must work together at the field level and ensure that preventive measures, sanitation and awareness activities reach every vulnerable area,” she said.
Emphasising hygiene in healthcare institutions, Itoo directed authorities to maintain proper cleanliness and sanitation in and around hospitals and other health facilities. She also called for issuance of a comprehensive public advisory to educate people about dengue symptoms and preventive measures, while directing health authorities to intensify awareness campaigns.
The minister further instructed that students be sensitised about preventive measures, including the importance of wearing full-sleeve clothing in mosquito-prone areas. She also directed authorities to ensure that testing laboratories remain fully equipped and functional so that suspected cases are diagnosed without delay.
“Awareness and timely testing are critical in controlling dengue. Our laboratories and health facilities must remain prepared, while schools should actively contribute to creating awareness among children and families,” she said.
Itoo also reviewed the supply and distribution of ration and other essential commodities across Jammu division. She directed the concerned department to closely monitor the supply chain and ensure timely delivery of essential commodities, particularly in areas affected by adverse weather conditions and natural calamities.
The minister stressed the need for greater coordination among departments for effective implementation of government schemes and delivery of citizen-centric services.
“Every department has a direct responsibility towards the people. Our focus should be on timely delivery of services, regular monitoring and prompt resolution of issues. There should be no avoidable delay in matters concerning public welfare,” she said.
Calling for greater accountability at every level, Itoo directed senior officers to regularly monitor the progress of works and schemes in their respective jurisdictions and ensure that government decisions translate into visible outcomes on the ground.
“Coordination, transparency and accountability must remain the guiding principles of our functioning,” she said.
The minister also emphasised the need for continuous field-level assessment and timely corrective measures, directing officials to remain responsive to emerging challenges and ensure that public services are not disrupted.
She called upon all departments to work with a shared sense of responsibility and urgency to improve service delivery, strengthen public infrastructure and ensure effective implementation of welfare, health, education and development programmes across Jammu division.
