Shopian, November 27: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Shopian to review the district’s overall development and the progress of various welfare schemes. The visit was aimed at assessing the implementation of key infrastructure projects, healthcare facilities, and the status of government welfare programs across the district.
During her visit, the Minister conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing projects, including the Sheikh Trenz Bridge, Polytechnic College, Government Degree College Zainapora, Transit Accommodation, Industrial Estates in Aglar and Trenz, District Court Complex, PRI accommodations, and the 50-bedded Critical Care Block at District Hospital Shopian, among others. She also reviewed progress in the sectors of education, health, and rural development.
The meeting was attended by MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay, MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, and senior officials from various departments, including Health, Education, Social Welfare, and R&B.
Addressing the officers, Minister Sakeena Itoo emphasized the importance of collaboration and effective coordination between government departments to ensure the district’s full potential is realized. She highlighted the need for the timely and quality completion of infrastructure projects, particularly those related to road connectivity, healthcare, and rural development. She urged the officers to prioritize public welfare and be responsive to people’s concerns. “Strengthen your connection with the people and be responsive to their issues,” she said, emphasizing that officers should facilitate the public at all levels and address grievances promptly.
The Minister also gave specific instructions for winter preparedness, asking the power department to ensure reliable electricity supply with minimal interruptions and to address issues related to transformer damage. She called for the adequate storage of essential commodities, including food supplies and water, especially in rural areas, to mitigate the challenges posed by winter. In addition, she stressed the importance of quality control for pesticides and fertilizers, noting that Shopian is known for its high-quality apple production.
The district administration was directed to mobilize resources for snow clearance and winter mitigation measures. Minister Itoo advised the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that snow-clearing machinery be stationed at critical points, including near hospitals, to handle any emergencies during snowfall.
During the meeting, MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay raised several issues related to his constituency and commended the district administration for its efforts in promoting development. He called for further improvements in infrastructure and public services. MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie highlighted the need for upgrades in the health sector, including additional equipment, and called for improvements in the social welfare and education sectors in his area.
At the outset of the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar presented a comprehensive overview of the district’s development profile, including progress on various flagship projects, health, education, and rural development initiatives, and other key government programs.
As part of her visit, Minister Itoo inaugurated a prosthetic aid distribution ceremony organized by the Social Welfare Department. She distributed tricycles and hearing aids to beneficiaries, ensuring their mobility and promoting inclusiveness in society.
Later, the Minister also visited District Hospital Shopian, where she took stock of the healthcare facilities and interacted with the hospital staff. She stressed the importance of providing the best possible healthcare services to the people of the district and urged the hospital administration to ensure high-quality care. Minister Itoo also engaged with patients and members of the public to listen to their grievances, assuring them of prompt action to address their concerns.