Srinagar, July 29: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of key developmental projects under SASCI, CAPEX Budget and other flagship schemes being implemented by the three departments.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister assessed the physical and financial progress of ongoing works and directed officials to ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining quality standards.
She stressed the need for effective planning, strict financial discipline and regular monitoring to avoid delays and cost overruns. The Minister asked departments to remove bottlenecks, improve coordination among executing agencies and ensure that development initiatives deliver tangible benefits to people.
Reviewing the School Education Department, Sakeena Itoo was informed that 24,228 schools are operational across Jammu and Kashmir with an enrolment of around 26.57 lakh students. Among 1,421 works proposed under UT CAPEX 2026-27, 786 have been targeted for completion, with 90 works already completed.
The meeting was informed that under SASCI, works worth Rs 2,648.89 lakh have been proposed, while 3,019 civil works have been completed under Samagra Shiksha in the last one-and-a-half years. The department has also introduced skill education in 1,350 schools, established 3,008 digital labs and approved 396 schools under the PM-SHRI scheme.
Taking stock of higher education, the Minister was informed that Rs 468 crore has been approved for 2026-27, with Rs 227.71 crore available for expenditure. Several infrastructure projects, including college buildings, additional blocks, science blocks, hostels, smart classrooms and library facilities, are targeted for completion during the year.
During the health sector review, Sakeena Itoo directed officers to accelerate infrastructure projects and strengthen healthcare delivery. Officials informed that 64 dialysis centres have been established across districts, while Cath Labs at GMC Doda and GMC Baramulla, along with PET scan facilities at GMC Srinagar and GMC Kathua, are planned.
The Minister also reviewed the Social Welfare Department and called for transparent and time-bound implementation of welfare schemes to ensure benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.
Emphasising people-centric governance, Sakeena Itoo directed departments to maintain close supervision of projects and ensure that healthcare, education and social welfare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir is strengthened in a timely manner