Udhampur, Jan 05: Stating that the difference between functioning in a State and a UT is “like the difference between earth and sky,” Minister for Health and Medical Education, Education and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, on Monday said that despite administrative limitations the elected government is making every possible effort to streamline governance across departments.
Talking to reporters here, Itoo said, “I have worked as a Minister of State and as a Cabinet Minister during the State era, and now I am working as a Minister in a Union Territory. The difference in powers is huge — it is like the difference between earth and sky.”
“Despite these challenges,” the Minister said, “The present elected government has made sincere efforts to streamline governance across departments.”
“Every ministry has done a commendable job despite limitations. We are continuing our work with dedication because we are an elected government, not a selected one,” she added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, Itoo said that sustained efforts are underway to improve infrastructure, teaching quality and overall learning outcomes across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the government is making continuous efforts to upgrade educational infrastructure, enhance teaching standards and promote holistic learning in schools and higher educational institutions,” she said.
She emphasized that education remains a priority area for the government, with reforms aimed at ensuring access, quality and inclusivity.
Speaking about the Social Welfare Department, Itoo recalled the pivotal role of former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, stating that it was during his tenure in 1996 that Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) projects were introduced in Jammu and Kashmir.
“From 2008 to 2014, I personally worked to get hundreds of posts sanctioned in the Social Welfare Department. Unfortunately, from 2015 onwards, almost nothing was done in this sector until last year,” she said.
The Minister said that after the formation of the present dispensation, efforts were renewed to address stagnation in the department.
“Since last year, we have once again worked to streamline the Social Welfare Department. Pending posts have now been advertised, and corrective measures are being taken to strengthen service delivery,” she added.
Itoo said, “Our aim is to deliver to the people despite limited powers. We are accountable to the people who elected us, and we will continue to raise public issues and work for development.”—(KNO)
