DEC 10: In a continued push toward responsive and citizen-focused administration, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, conducted an extensive public outreach session in Srinagar, meeting a wide range of representatives including legislators, public delegations and employee groups. The interactions centred on key developmental and welfare issues across essential sectors, reflecting the Government’s priority of enhancing transparency, accessibility and people-centric governance.
Engagement with Legislators and Public Delegations
Legislators and various public groups presented sector-specific demands related to healthcare, education, social welfare, infrastructure gaps, employee concerns, and essential public services. The Minister gave patient hearing to each delegation, noting that regular engagement with stakeholders is crucial for understanding ground realities and strengthening policy outcomes.
She emphasised that no concern is “too small or too big” when it directly impacts public welfare. The outreach session, she stated, is part of a consistent effort to bridge administrative gaps and respond swiftly to citizen needs.
Reinforcing Government’s People-First Approach
Reaffirming her commitment to transparent and accountable governance, Sakeena Itoo underlined that the Government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, is fully dedicated to ensuring that policies and services align with the aspirations of every section of society.
She reiterated that people-centric governance remains the cornerstone of the administration’s development agenda. “Our objective is to ensure that citizens experience an administration that is responsive, efficient and sensitive to their needs,” the Minister said.
Focus on Health, Education and Social Welfare
Delegations flagged several requirements related to health facility strengthening, availability of medical staff, upgrading of schools, scholarship-related concerns, disability support services and social security schemes.
The Minister assured that these matters would be taken up with the concerned departments for time-bound resolution. She also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving health infrastructure, modernising educational institutions, and expanding social welfare coverage.
Employee Welfare and Administrative Coordination
Employee groups raised issues concerning postings, promotions, service benefits and work environment challenges. Responding to their concerns, Sakeena Itoo reiterated that employee welfare remains a priority, as a motivated workforce is essential for delivering quality public services.
She directed officials to maintain better interdepartmental coordination to ensure that genuine issues are not delayed due to administrative bottlenecks.
A Platform for Inclusive Governance
The outreach session also served as a platform for fostering inclusive and participatory governance, ensuring that voices from all sections—urban and rural communities, vulnerable groups, students, health workers and social sector stakeholders—are heard and addressed.
The Minister encouraged citizens to continue engaging with the administration through grievance mechanisms, public interactions and outreach programmes.
Conclusion
The public outreach programme in Srinagar reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to good governance, transparency and citizen empowerment. By directly interacting with stakeholders and reaffirming the Government’s resolve to deliver efficient services, Minister Sakeena Itoo has reinforced the principle that public welfare lies at the heart of policymaking in Jammu and Kashmir.
