Pulwama: Sakeena Itoo on Saturday convened a public grievances redress camp at Circuit House Pulwama, where people from Pulwama and Shopian projected a range of developmental and public welfare issues.
The camp was attended by Hasnain Masoodi, Showkat Hussain Ganie and senior officers from the Health, Education, Social Welfare, R&B, PHE and other departments.
During the interaction, deputations from various villages and urban areas of Pulwama and Shopian, trade bodies, social organisations, senior citizens and other stakeholders submitted memoranda highlighting local issues and development demands.
The concerns raised included strengthening healthcare facilities, improving educational infrastructure, augmentation of sports facilities, better water supply, development of public parks, establishment of scientific dumping sites, road connectivity, widening and upgradation of roads, deployment of adequate staff in health and educational institutions, and issues related to agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors.
The minister gave a patient hearing to the participants and sought on-the-spot feedback from concerned officers. She directed officials to take immediate measures for resolving genuine grievances in a timely manner.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi said such interactions provide an effective platform for addressing public concerns and strengthening citizen participation in governance.
MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie said the minister’s direct interaction with people reflects a people-centric approach aimed at ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Sakeena Itoo assured the participants that all genuine issues raised during the camp would be examined and addressed in a time-bound manner. She also announced that a follow-up review meeting would be held to assess progress on the issues highlighted during the interaction.
The minister thanked residents, senior citizens, community representatives and civil society members from Pulwama and Shopian for participating in the programme and sharing suggestions for the development of their districts.
She directed officers to adopt a people-centric approach in discharging their duties and ensure improved delivery of public services. Stressing accountability and responsiveness, she called for close coordination among departments for the welfare of the people.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture and horticulture, Itoo said the sectors form the backbone of the local economy and livelihoods. She directed concerned officers to ensure adequate irrigation water and other essential facilities for farmers and orchardists during the ongoing growing season.
The minister also instructed officials to adhere strictly to project timelines and ensure regular monitoring of development works. She stressed that delays in project implementation adversely affect public welfare and directed officers to maintain transparency, accountability and quality standards while executing development projects and delivering services.