Srinagar, Oct 28: Education Minister and senior National Conference (NC) leader Sakina Itoo on Tuesday dismissed allegations that the NC-led government failed to fulfil its poll promises, calling such claims as “propaganda” spread by certain elements.
Speaking to reporters at an event at Sainik School, Itoo asserted that the government is working steadily and courageously to meet its commitments. “Those who say this government has done nothing, I want to tell them that since this government was formed just a year ago, we have already fulfilled several promises from our manifesto,” she said.
Highlighting the achievements, Itoo said, “We brought a resolution for the education sector, passed the 370 resolution, changed the academic session, increased old age and widow pensions, and enhanced marriage assistance. All these were promises made to the people and we have delivered on them.”
She also clarified that while the issue of the qualification gap was addressed before the elections, its implementation took place afterwards. “When we received complaints about the qualification bar, the Chief Minister removed it. We have also ensured the distribution of 10 kg of ration and provided free bus service for women, as promised in our manifesto,” she added.
Itoo assured that remaining promises will also be fulfilled within the government’s current term.
Addressing allegations of departmental discrimination, the Minister explained that previous regimes had derailed the education sector with flawed policies on transfers, appointments, rationalization, and infrastructure. “Ever since this government was formed, we have worked hard to address these issues, bringing in rationalization, holding DPCs, and resolving promotion matters. We introduced the transfer policy across provinces and districts.”
She acknowledged that some complaints were raised regarding the implementation of the transfer policy, prompting the department to form committees to review each case. “That is why the transfer policy could not progress further at that time,” she said.
Itoo highlighted that under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, the government regularized hundreds of Contingent Paid Workers (CPWs) in the education department. “So far, 860 positions in Jammu and 300 to 400 in Kashmir have been made permanent. Instead of appreciating this, calling it discrimination is completely wrong, and that is why I objected to it,” she said—(KNO)
