Kulgam, Nov 8: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, today held a Public Darbar at Tangmarg village in Kulgam district and took stock of grievances, developmental demands and issues of public importance of the locals their as well as other adjoining areas.

During the Public Darbar, people from Tangmarg and adjoining areas raised various issues pertaining to public infrastructure, basic amenities, welfare measures and development of the area. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputations and individuals and assured them that all genuine grievances would be examined and addressed in a systematic and time-bound manner.
Emphasising the importance of direct public engagement, Sakeena Itoo said that the Government is committed to taking governance to the doorsteps of the people and ensuring that their concerns receive due attention.
The Minister highlighted that Public Darbars are an important platform for strengthening the connect between the Government and the people.
“Our priority is to listen to people, understand their concerns and ensure that genuine grievances are addressed through coordinated efforts of the concerned departments. Development must be inclusive, equitable and responsive to the actual needs of the people”, the Minister said.
During the Darbar, the Minister distributed relief cheques amounting to Rs 10.54 lakh among 12 families affected by recent fire incidents in Bangiward and Watoo areas.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the Minister said that the Government stands firmly with people facing distress and would extend all possible assistance to help them overcome difficult circumstances.
She directed the district administration to ensure that necessary rehabilitation measures are undertaken promptly and stressed the importance of strengthening fire safety arrangements, particularly in vulnerable and fire-prone areas.
“The loss suffered by these families is deeply unfortunate. District administration must take preventive measures and strengthen fire safety preparedness to minimise the risk of such incidents in the future”, she said
Later, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a road from Main Road to Naka Dole Mohalla, Tangmarg-B, at an estimated cost of Rs 114.82 lakh.
The road project will be executed by the Public Works Department (R&B), Division DH Pora, and is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate smoother movement for residents of the area.
Stressing the importance of quality infrastructure, the Minister directed the concerned executing agency to ensure that the work is taken up in a timely manner and completed within the stipulated timeline while maintaining prescribed quality standards.
She said that improved road connectivity is fundamental to socio-economic development and plays a significant role in facilitating access to essential services and improving the overall quality of life of rural communities.
Meanwhile, during her visit to DH Pora Constituency, the Minister also announced the provision of an ambulance for the local health centre to strengthen emergency healthcare services in the area.
She said that timely access to emergency medical transportation is crucial in saving precious lives and ensuring that patients receive prompt medical attention, particularly during critical situations.
“Strengthening of healthcare infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms remains a key priority of the Government”, the Minister said.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah towards equitable and people-centric development, Sakeena Itoo called upon all departments to work in close coordination, maintain accountability and ensure effective implementation of developmental and welfare initiatives.
She stressed that public welfare, improved service delivery and timely execution of development projects would continue to guide the Government’s approach towards addressing the aspirations of the people.
The Minister was accompanied by the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti; Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B); Block Development Officer, DH Pora; and other concerned officers and officials.