KULGAM: Education, Social Welfare and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday laid foundation stones for several development projects in Kulgam district and held a public outreach camp to review local issues and assess infrastructure needs.
The projects, launched in Banimullah and adjoining areas, relate to road connectivity, education and healthcare.
Among the works inaugurated was a Health Sub-Centre at Zangalpora, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹29 lakh by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Sub-Division, Devsar. The minister also laid the foundation stone for a double-storey, six-room school building at Banimullah, estimated to cost ₹95.88 lakh.
She further launched work on a 1.53-kilometre road at Banimullah, with an estimated cost of ₹3.83 crore, and an AYUSH Centre at Chandergi, Banimullah, to be built at a cost of ₹29.12 lakh.
According to officials, the projects are aimed at improving access to healthcare, education and road connectivity in the area.
During the visit, Itoo held a public outreach camp in remote parts of the district, where she interacted with residents and reviewed issues related to development, welfare schemes and public services.
Residents raised concerns regarding local infrastructure and service delivery, while the minister directed officials to address public grievances and ensure effective implementation of government programmes.
She also instructed executing agencies to adhere to prescribed standards and timelines and asked officers to regularly monitor the progress of the projects to ensure their timely completion.
The minister was accompanied by Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Nighat Yasmeen, Director AYUSH Ajay Kumar Tikoo, Assistant Commissioner Development Kulgam Bilal Ahmad Kamgar, Chief Education Officer Kulgam, Chief Medical Officer Kulgam, Executive Engineer R&B Kulgam and other officials.