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BANDIPORA: In a significant step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in north Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today visited District Hospital Bandipora.

During her visit, the Minister inaugurated a Jan Aushadhi Kendra aimed at providing affordable generic medicines to the public, and also dedicated a newly established Cancer Ward to the people of the district. The developments are expected to greatly benefit patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections.

Minister Sakeena also took a detailed tour of the hospital, interacted with patients and hospital staff, and reviewed healthcare facilities being provided. She assured the public that the government is committed to improving health services in rural and semi-urban areas, with a special focus on accessibility and affordability.

The Minister was accompanied by MLA Bandipora, Mr. Nizam-ud-din Bhat; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri; Director Health Services Kashmir and Director Family Welfare. The dignitaries assessed ongoing works and discussed various initiatives under the Health and Family Welfare schemes.

Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Bandipora, Dr. Masrat Iqbal Wani on the occasion, presented a comprehensive overview of the hospital’s functioning and highlighted both the recent improvements and the existing gaps that require urgent attention. He requested support for infrastructure expansion, specialist staff appointments, and upgraded diagnostic services.

On the occasion, the Minister emphasized the government’s vision to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. “Our mission is not only to enhance infrastructure but also to ensure that no patient is left unattended or burdened due to lack of resources,” she said. She assured the hospital administration that healthcare services will be improved at DH Bandipora.

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SRINAGAR: In line with its vision and enduring commitment for welfare of tribals, the Directorate of Tribal Affairs on Wednesday said that it has geared itself to ensure sectoral development through efficient implementation of scholarship schemes meant for tribal students.

Director Tribal Affairs said that there will be no delay in disbursement of scholarships among the genuine ST students and slew of measures have been undertaken to reduce the release time of scholarship. He informed that due to extensive outreach and publicity, more than 30,000 applications have been received under both the schemes for 2024-25,  which is more than 120% of the applications received in the previous academic year 2023-24.

He said that the verification and course wise grouping process has been completed involving around 670 universities, colleges and schools. He added that genuine students will receive their scholarship through the DBT mode as per the procedural guidelines of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

The process is being undertaken on a war footing basis and as soon as course master vetting takes place by the Ministry for Tribal Affairs, the further process with regard to the disbursement of scholarships among the eligible students will start immediately, he added. The Director further said that the department is working to streamline the application and disbursement processes, enhance transparency and strengthen the monitoring mechanisms to guarantee timely delivery of scholarships.

 “This move reflects the government’s continued commitment towards promoting the educational equity and empowerment among the tribal communities,” he added. Referring to certain social media reports about the alleged delay in disbursement of  scholarships among the ST students, he refuted the claim saying that the process is in its final stages.

“The department is committed to ensure that scholarship amounts are disbursed in a transparent manner and to the rightful beneficiaries. The concerned officers have been directed to make sure that every eligible student receives their scholarship benefits without delay,” he said.

He further maintained that Tribal Affairs Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana has issued strict directives to all the concerned to ensure that every eligible Scheduled Tribe (ST) student is able to access and benefit from the scholarship schemes available to them. He further said that Javed Rana had emphasized that no deserving student should be deprived of educational opportunities due to delays, administrative lapses or lack of awareness.

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SRINAGAR: In a series of meetings held today, Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Transport, Youth Service and Sports, Satish Sharma, today met was various deputations and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), who presented a range of issues pertaining to job regularization, infrastructural development and transport concerns. The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the delegations and assured timely redressal of their grievances.

A deputation comprising Rehbar-e-Khel employees met the Minister to press for early regularization of their services. They emphasized that the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) must be convened at the earliest to fill the vacant posts, which would pave the way for their absorption into the regular cadre.

Another delegation from the Handicrafts and Handloom departments called on the Minister to discuss their deputation arrangements and the ongoing process of departmental merger. The members sought clarity on the modalities and operational framework for the proposed merger and stressed on safeguarding the interests of employees during the restructuring.

A deputation from Tulmulla area demanded creation of sports infrastructure in the region. They also raised various other local issues impacting the youth engagement and community development. MLA Gurez,  Nazir Ahmad Khan, called on the Minister and raised several constituency-specific issues, particularly the lack of adequate transport facilities in the remote and difficult terrain. He urged the Minister to prioritize the improvement of road connectivity and public transport services.

MLA Chanapora, Mushtaq Guru, met the Minister and highlighted the urgent need for sports infrastructure development in his constituency. He also flagged several other developmental issues including youth programs and public utility systems.

MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, brought to the Minister’s notice a host of developmental concerns affecting his constituency. He urged for focused interventions to improve civic amenities, road infrastructure and employment opportunities.

The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to inclusive development and employee welfare. He assured that all genuine issues raised by the delegations and MLAs would be addressed with seriousness and urgency.

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• Visits GDC Bandipora, takes stock of academic activities
• Also hands over motorized tricycles, sponsorship amount of Rs. 1.23 crores among beneficiaries

BANDIPORA: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena itoo, on Wednesday chaired an extensive review meeting with Heads of Departments (HODs) and District Officers here to assess the progress on developmental activities across Bandipora district. MLA Bandipora Nizam Uddin Bhat; DDC Vice-Chairperson Kousar Shafeeq, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor ahmad Qadri; Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Colleges J&K, Mission Director Poshan J&K, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Ayush J&K, Director Family Welfare and Immunization J&K, Executive Director Rehabilitation Council J&K, DPO ICDS Bandipora, CEO Wullar Manasbal Development Authority, ACR Bandipora and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.

During the meeting, Minister Sakeena emphasized on the need for efficient implementation of government schemes and urged officials to ensure timely delivery of services to the people. She took feedback from sectoral heads and directed departments to collaborate closely to resolve any bottlenecks. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the district administration and field officers in implementing welfare measures and assured full support from the government in expediting projects for the benefit of the public.

During the meeting, key issues like road widening projects on Bandipora–Sumbal and Bandipora–Sopore routes, non-functional lift at District Hospital Bandipora, and staff shortages in Health and Education department were discussed. During the meeting, the Minister laid e-foundation of Lift Irrigation Scheme for augmentation of supplies to New Reshi Khul and Dehgam Khul. She also e-inagurated Composite School at N.M. HSS Kaloosa, Bandipora

Earlier, the Minister accompanied by MLA Bandipora Nizam Uddin Bhat, DDC Vice-Chairperson Kousar Shafeeq, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor ahmad Qadri and other dignitaries visited Government Degree College (GDC) Bandipora, where she inspected infrastructure facilities and reviewed the pace of ongoing developmental works.

Principal, GDC Bandipora, Dr. Gazala Firdous welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the achievements and developments of the institution since its establishment. MLA Bandipora, Nizam Uddin Bhat expressed gratitude to the Minister for her visit and raised key infrastructural demands, including the need for a separate library block, auditorium, and development of the college playfield. He stressed that world-class infrastructure is essential for students to excel globally.

In her address, the Minister praised the scenic location of the college but noted the poor condition of the approach road, calling it a challenge for both students and staff. She appreciated the enrolment and efforts of the college administration. She assured that the government is actively addressing infrastructure issues in the education sector and directed the Director of Higher Education to initiate the development of a new library block and asked the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to take up beautification work on priority.

During an interactive session, students raised concerns about transport facilities, faculty shortages, and delays due to academic arrangements. The Minister assured that transport issues would be resolved, additional vehicles with drivers would be provided, and faculty replacements would be addressed promptly. Later in the day, the Minister, accompanied by MLA Bandipora, Sakeena Itoo also held a Public Darbar cum Interaction with the residents of Bandipora and listened public grievances and suggestions directly and assured timely redressal.

During the tour of district, the Minister handed over 27 Retrofitted Motorized Tricycles to eligible persons with disabilities under the Department of Social Welfare. She also distributed sponsorship benefits among various beneficiaries to the tune of Rs. 1.23 crores under Mission Vastalya.