Pampore, Sep 17: Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health & Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday visited Pampore Constituency and inaugurated a series of development projects aimed at strengthening educational, healthcare and public service infrastructure in the area.

She was accompanied by MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik, MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para and MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated the main building of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Pulwama, at Pampore. The facility is expected to strengthen teacher education, training and capacity-building initiatives in the district.
Speaking on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo said strengthening institutions dedicated to teacher training was essential for improving the quality of school education and equipping teachers with skills to address emerging educational needs.
She said the government was committed to modernising the education sector and developing better institutional facilities for students, teachers and other stakeholders. She emphasised that investment in educational infrastructure, along with continuous professional development of teachers, was vital for building a responsive and future-ready education system.
The Minister also distributed regularisation orders among 17 CPWs, describing the step as an important measure towards their welfare and professional security. She reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening social welfare mechanisms and supporting personnel working in the sector.
Later, Sakeena Itoo, along with the accompanying MLAs, inaugurated the Science Laboratory Block at Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore.
Addressing a gathering at the college auditorium, she said institutions of higher education were not merely physical structures but played an important role in shaping the intellectual, social and professional development of young people.
She stressed the need for higher education to remain responsive to students’ aspirations and the changing requirements of the employment landscape. Referring to the year-on-year increase in enrolment at GDC Pampore, she appreciated the faculty and staff for their efforts in strengthening the institution and fostering a conducive academic environment.
The Minister said students possessed considerable talent and potential and called for greater focus on skill-oriented and innovation-driven education to help them translate academic learning into practical capabilities.
She also emphasised the importance of creating a safe, comfortable and inclusive campus environment and encouraged the college authorities to promote co-curricular activities, innovation and skill development alongside academics.
On the occasion, Sakeena Itoo released the second issue of the biannual college newsletter, Shakh-e-Zafran, and unveiled Oneirataxia, a collection of poems authored by Dr Gazala Gayas, Principal, GDC Pampore.
Subsequently, the Minister inaugurated New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) at Mandakpal and Shari Shali in Pampore and reviewed the facilities and arrangements being put in place for providing healthcare services to the local population.
She stressed the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level and ensure that people, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas, have access to essential health services closer to their homes.
The Minister was accompanied by Director Colleges, J&K; Director Health Services Kashmir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora; Joint Director, SCERT; Chief Education Officer Pulwama; Chief Medical Officer Pulwama; District Social Welfare Officer Pulwama; Tehsildar Pampore and other senior officers.