SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday inaugurated a primary school at Satrajan Bangiward in the DH Pora area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district and laid the foundation stone for an additional classroom building at Government Middle School Bangiward.
The minister said the government was committed to upgrading educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, to strengthen access to quality education.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Itoo said quality infrastructure was essential for creating a conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning. She said strengthening the education sector and ensuring access to quality education in underserved areas remained a key priority of the government.
The minister said educational infrastructure formed the backbone of social and economic progress and added that the newly inaugurated primary school would provide improved academic facilities to local students closer to their homes. She said the additional classroom block at Government Middle School Bangiward would help improve the learning environment and cater to increasing student enrolment.
She directed concerned officers to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing educational projects while maintaining high standards of implementation.
Later, the minister held a public darbar at Bangiward, where residents from adjoining areas raised various developmental issues, including road connectivity, drinking water supply, healthcare facilities, electricity, school infrastructure and other civic amenities.
Giving a patient hearing to the grievances, Itoo assured the public that all genuine concerns would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner. She directed officials to take immediate action on pressing issues and ensure improved public service delivery at the grassroots level.
The minister said direct public outreach programmes were essential for responsive governance and helped bridge the gap between the administration and the people. She reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development across all regions.
Several delegations and individuals also submitted memorandums highlighting local developmental requirements. The minister assured them that their demands would be examined on priority in coordination with the concerned departments.
Local residents, parents and school staff appreciated the initiatives and expressed gratitude to the government for addressing the educational and infrastructural needs of the area.
