Pampore: Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Thursday inaugurated a series of development projects in Pampore aimed at strengthening educational, healthcare and public service infrastructure in the area.
The minister was accompanied by MLA Pampore Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik, MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para and MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir.
The visit began with the inauguration of the main building of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Pulwama at Pampore. The facility is expected to enhance teacher education, training and capacity-building programmes in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Itoo said strengthening teacher-training institutions was essential for improving the quality of school education and equipping educators with the skills needed to meet emerging educational challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to modernising the education sector and improving institutional facilities for students and teachers.
The minister also distributed regularisation orders among 17 Child Protection Workers (CPWs), describing the move as an important step towards ensuring their welfare and professional security.
Later, Itoo, along with the accompanying legislators, inaugurated a new Science Laboratory Block at Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore.
Speaking at the college, she said higher education institutions play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual, social and professional development of young people. She emphasised the need to make higher education more responsive to students’ aspirations and changing employment requirements.
Referring to the increase in student enrolment at GDC Pampore, the minister appreciated the faculty and staff for strengthening the institution and fostering a conducive academic environment. She said the growing enrolment reflected increasing interest among students in pursuing higher education locally.
Highlighting the importance of skill development, Itoo said students possess immense talent and potential and called for a skill-oriented and innovation-driven approach to education. She also stressed the need to ensure a safe, inclusive and supportive campus environment.
The minister urged the college administration to promote co-curricular activities, innovation and skill development alongside academics to better prepare students for higher studies, entrepreneurship and employment.
During the event, she released the second issue of the college’s biannual newsletter Shakh-e-Zafran and unveiled Oneirataxia, a collection of poems authored by GDC Pampore Principal Dr Gazala Gayas.
The minister later inaugurated New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) at Mandakpal and Shari Shali in Pampore and reviewed the facilities and arrangements being made for healthcare delivery.
She emphasised the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level and ensuring access to essential health services, particularly for people living in rural and underserved areas.
The minister was accompanied by Director Colleges J&K, Director Health Services Kashmir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora, Joint Director SCERT, Chief Education Officer Pulwama, Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, District Social Welfare Officer Pulwama, Tehsildar Pampore and other officials.