MAY 25: Minister Sakeena Itoo, during a public welfare event in DH Pora, Kulgam, distributed prosthetic aids and assistive devices to specially-abled individuals as part of a broader government initiative aimed at empowering marginalized communities. The event was attended by local officials, social workers, and beneficiaries who welcomed the move as a step toward inclusivity and dignity for persons with disabilities.
The distribution drive, organized under the ongoing welfare schemes supported by the administration, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring no citizen is left behind due to physical challenges. The prosthetic aids and mobility support tools are expected to significantly improve the quality of life and independence of those who received them.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena Itoo reiterated the government’s continued dedication to inclusive development under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. She highlighted that initiatives for specially-abled individuals are not acts of charity but essential responsibilities of a welfare state. “We are committed to building an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of ability, is given equal opportunities and support,” she said.
Itoo also used the occasion to draw attention to the growing concern of drug abuse in the region. She urged the community to come together to combat this menace through awareness, early intervention, and collective societal effort. “Drug abuse is a threat not just to individuals but to our families, our youth, and the future of our society. United action is the need of the hour,” she emphasized.
She encouraged parents, educators, and community leaders to remain vigilant and actively participate in safeguarding the younger generation from falling prey to substance abuse. She called for better coordination between civil society and government agencies to enhance prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
The event concluded with a pledge to continue similar outreach programs across other areas of the district to ensure widespread coverage and support. Locals appreciated the Minister’s hands-on approach and her focus on both disability welfare and pressing social issues like drug abuse.
The distribution of assistive devices, coupled with a strong message of inclusivity and social responsibility, reinforced the government’s multi-dimensional welfare agenda aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable sections of society.