SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education, Social Welfare, and Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Degree College (GDC) Majalta in Udhampur, stressing the need to strengthen higher education infrastructure and intensify efforts towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing students, faculty members and local residents during the inauguration ceremony, the Minister said the government remained committed to expanding access to quality education in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
She described educational institutions as centres of moral guidance and urged colleges to play a proactive role in spreading awareness against substance abuse. Emphasising that youth are the backbone of the nation, she appealed to students to stay away from drugs and harmful addictions.
Sakeena Itoo said substance abuse not only destroys individual lives but also adversely affects families and society. She underlined the importance of counselling, awareness drives, sports activities and community participation in combating drug addiction.
The Minister said the inauguration of the permanent college building marked a significant milestone in the development of GDC Majalta and reflected the government’s commitment towards strengthening higher education in remote areas.
MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania lauded the efforts of the college administration and reiterated his commitment towards educational development in the constituency.
Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Ram Niwas Sharma also highlighted the importance of quality higher education, youth empowerment and infrastructural development in rural educational institutions.
Earlier, Principal Shalini Sharma presented a report on the college’s academic achievements and developmental progress, stating that the new building would provide a modern academic environment for students from remote areas.
During the programme, the Minister released the college newsletter, planted a sapling on the campus and inspected the newly created facilities. Students also presented cultural performances and a Nukkad Natak under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
