KULGAM: Education, Social Welfare and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday inaugurated an under-19 girls’ inter-district baseball tournament in Kulgam and laid foundation stones for a health centre and several road projects in the district.
The minister inaugurated the tournament at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kulgam, where teams from all districts of Kashmir division are participating. The event is being organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department.
Addressing the participants, Itoo encouraged young people to take part in sports and appreciated the department’s efforts to provide athletes with competitive opportunities.
During her visit, the minister laid the foundation stone for a Health Sub-Centre at Gandwani, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh.
She also laid foundation stones for four road projects, including the construction and maintenance of the Chechmulla-Aharbal Road to Lonepora stretch at a cost of ₹3.67 crore, a road from Khuri Batapora ITI to Sheikhnagin estimated at ₹30 lakh, the Aharbal Main Road to Chandar Manzgam-A project costing ₹18 lakh, and a road from the residence of Bashir Mirza to Gujar Basti Kawtaqri estimated at ₹15 lakh.
According to officials, the projects are aimed at improving road connectivity, easing transportation and facilitating movement in the adjoining areas.
The minister also interacted with local residents and reviewed public welfare issues and the delivery of government services. She directed district and sectoral officers to monitor the projects regularly and ensure their timely completion.
Several district officials, including the Assistant Commissioner Development, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer and engineers from various departments, accompanied the minister during the visit.