Strengthen connection with people, be responsive to their issues and concerns: Sakeena Itoo to officers

• Visits Shopian, reviews overall developmental scenario of district,  distributes tricycles, hearing aids among beneficiaries
• Also inspects District Hospital Shopian, takes stock of healthcare facilities

SHOPIAN: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today visited Shopian and reviewed overall developmental scenario as well as progress on welfare schemes across the district. During the meeting, the Minister took comprehensive assessment of various projects like Shiekh Trenz Bridge, Polytechnic College, GDC Zainapora, Transit Accommodation, Industrial Estate Aglar, Industrial Estate Trenz, District Court Complex, PRI Accommodation, 50 bedded Critical Care Block at District Hospital, Shopian and similar other projects.

MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay; MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie; Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar; Director School Education Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Colleges J&K, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, district and sectoral officers of various departments were also present during the meeting.

Addressing the officers during the meeting, Sakeena Itoo emphasized on the importance of collaborative efforts from all stakeholders in realizing the district’s full potential. She urged the officers to ensure timely completion of all projects while prioritizing quality and sustainability. She also highlighted the need to strengthen coordination between government departments for effective implementation of welfare schemes.

The Minister stressed upon the officers to expedite the execution of various infrastructure projects, especially in the areas of road connectivity, healthcare facilities and rural development, crucial for district’s socio-economic growth. The Minister also called upon the officers to facilitate public at all levels and take due efforts while dealing with grievances and issues concerning general public. “Strengthen connection with people and be responsive to people’s issues and concerns”, Sakeena said.

While reviewing the power sector, the Minister instructed the officers for  scheduled power availability with minimal power cuts in view of ensuing winter. She asked for initiating efforts for minimising the Transformer damages as well as prompt restoration of defected transformers.

The Minister, during the meeting, also sought provision of ration supply for the winters, water supply and other essential services. She directed the officers to ensure adequate storage of essential commodities, especially in rural areas in view of the winters. The Minister also called upon the Deputy Commissioner to keep close watch on quality control of pesticides and fertilizers in the district as the place is known for producing quality apples.

She also asked the district administration to mobilise men and machinery for snow clearance and other winter mitigation measures. She advised them to keep the machinery at vital points and roads as well as near hospitals for dealing with any kind of exigency during the snowfall. During the meeting, MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay flagged several issues concerning his constituency. He also appreciated the efforts of district administration for fostering development in the district.

MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie highlighted need for infrastructure and equipment upgradation and manpower interventions and additions needed in Zainapora AC in the health sector, school education and social welfare departments. At the outset, Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, presented the overall district development profile, highlighting the various flagship projects under execution in the district. He  also presented department and scheme wise progress of Health, Social Welfare, Higher and School education, RDD, R&B, Jal Shakti, Irrigation, YS&S, Labour, Power, PMGSY and other sectors before the Minister.

Meanwhile, Sakeena Itoo also inaugurated prosthetic aid distribution ceremony of Social Welfare department. She distributed tricycles and hearing aids among beneficiaries for ensuring their mobility and inclusiveness in the society. Later, the Minister also inspected District Hospital Shopian and took stock of healthcare facilities available in the hospital.

She stressed upon the hospital administration to ensure best possible services for the people of the district. The Minister also interacted with public there and listened to their grievances. She assured them prompt action on issues flagged by them.