REASI, AUGUST 11: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Degree College Katra at Kakryal, marking a significant step towards strengthening the higher education infrastructure.
The college building was constructed by the J&K Housing Board at a cost of ₹12.92 lakh.
MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma, Director Colleges Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Health Services Jammu, Principal of the college, faculty members, students and local residents were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister, as per an official statement, congratulated the students, faculty members and people of Katra on completion of the new college building. She said that the new facility would provide better infrastructure and quality education to students who were earlier studying in a makeshift arrangement. She credited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for releasing the necessary funds for the project and appreciated the efforts of the executing agencies, engineers and all other stakeholders involved in completing the building.
Sakeena Itoo announced that a college bus would be sanctioned soon to facilitate the students commuting from distant areas. She also assured that the Commerce stream would be introduced at the college, subject to sufficient student demand. Addressing other demands, she directed the Director Health Services to initiate the process for relocation of Katra Hospital to the Irrigation Department’s land and building, subject to the requisite NOC, and assured efforts to provide a fully equipped 108 ambulance for the area.
The Minister highlighted the government’s focus on introducing demand-driven courses in higher educational institutions. She informed that the students belonging to BPL and AAY categories are eligible for fee-waiver benefits for higher education. She urged the local representatives, community leaders, parents and students to encourage greater enrolment in colleges and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure that no student in Jammu and Kashmir is deprived of higher education opportunities.
She also appreciated the role played by MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma in pursuing the construction and completion of the college building. She said that the collective efforts of the government, elected representatives, executing agencies and engineers had made the project a reality.
MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma also addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to the Government and concerned departments for completing the college building.
In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Rajni Bhagat presented a detailed report highlighting the achievements, academic progress and developmental journey of Government Degree College Katra.
Earlier, Sakeena Itoo planted a sapling in the college premises, symbolizing the commitment towards environmental conservation and a greener future.
