KULGAM, April 18: In a significant stride towards bolstering rural infrastructure and enhancing public amenities across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today laid the foundation stones for a series of pivotal development projects in the Kulgam district. The minister also formally dedicated vital public infrastructure to the community, marking a day of substantial progress for the region. The event saw the presence of M.Y. Tarigami, MLA Kulgam, alongside Mission Director ICDS, Director AYUSH, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam, senior district administration officials, various sectoral officers, and a large contingent of local residents.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the day’s proceedings commenced with the laying of the foundation stone for a ‘Viksit Village’ initiative at Yarikah-A, D.H. Pora. This flagship program, as articulated by Minister Itoo, is designed to comprehensively upgrade rural infrastructure and significantly improve basic amenities, with the overarching goal of transforming the village into a self-reliant and sustainable entity. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to rural transformation through strategic investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare, underscoring this initiative as a testament to the administration’s grassroots-focused development strategy.
Following this, Minister Itoo proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the crucial construction and upgradation of the Chiripora–Trengabal road. This project, to be undertaken by the Public Works (R&B) department, comes with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 2 crores. Addressing the gathered locals after the ceremony, the minister highlighted the anticipated benefits of this road project, including substantially improved accessibility, reduced travel times, and the creation of new economic growth and service delivery avenues for the areas it will connect. She further reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led government to the equitable development of Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular emphasis on rural and peripheral regions.
The minister elaborated on the government’s proactive approach to development, citing accelerated rollouts of rural road connectivity projects, the expansion of educational infrastructure, the strengthening of healthcare facilities, and enhanced social security coverage as key achievements. These efforts, she stated, are aimed at ensuring that the benefits of development permeate every stratum of society, with a special focus on bridging existing developmental gaps in remote and underserved areas. This comprehensive approach, she indicated, reflects a deep-seated commitment to inclusive growth and equitable opportunity across the Union Territory.
Later in the day, Minister Itoo inaugurated a much-anticipated 100-bedded Girls’ Hostel, designated as KGBV – Type IV, in Kulgam. This facility is specifically intended to promote educational access for girls hailing from far-flung and disadvantaged backgrounds. The hostel, according to the minister, represents a significant step forward in empowering young female students by addressing issues of high dropout rates and encouraging increased enrollment in secondary and higher secondary education. She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expanding such essential facilities throughout Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that equitable access to education is a reality for all girls, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic circumstances.
During the inauguration of the Girls’ Hostel, Minister Itoo issued directives to the concerned authorities, emphasizing the critical need to ensure the provision of modern amenities, high-quality services, and a safe and secure environment for the resident students. Her directive aimed to guarantee that the hostel serves as a model of safe, secure, and quality residential accommodation, fostering an environment conducive to academic success and personal growth. This focus on student welfare and facility standards underscores the administration’s commitment to providing supportive educational ecosystems.
Furthering the day’s developmental agenda, Minister Itoo also inaugurated an Ayush Dispensary at Wovri Khull and a new building for the Higher Secondary School at Khull D.H. Pora. Speaking at these inaugurations, the minister articulated the government’s long-term vision, which centers on sustained efforts to construct robust infrastructure, actively promote gender equity within the education sector, and cultivate livelihood opportunities. These multifaceted initiatives, she explained, are integral to achieving comprehensive and inclusive growth across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that development translates into tangible improvements in the quality of life for all residents.
The minister underscored that these projects are aligned with the government’s broader objective of ensuring equitable growth, enhancing the delivery of public services, and elevating the overall quality of life, particularly for individuals residing in rural and underserved areas. She reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to expediting development works while simultaneously upholding principles of transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. This dual focus on rapid progress and ethical oversight aims to build public trust and ensure efficient resource utilization.
Concluding her engagements in the district, Minister Itoo visited Ardpora Khull, where she had the opportunity to witness the final match of the Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo Memorial Cricket Tournament. Interacting with the participating players, the minister highlighted the indispensable role of sports in cultivating discipline, fostering teamwork, and promoting healthy lifestyles among the youth. She assured the athletes of continued government support for the development of sports infrastructure and the organization of youth engagement activities across the district, recognizing the positive impact of sports on community development and individual well-being.
During her visit to the tournament, Minister Itoo also took the occasion to distribute trophies to the champion and runner-up teams, as well as medallions to other distinguished performers. This gesture acknowledged the talent and dedication of the young athletes, further encouraging their participation in sports and extracurricular activities. The event served as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent and providing platforms for healthy competition and community engagement, aligning with the broader developmental goals for the district.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
