Kulgam, Sep 19: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Kulgam district and participated in a series of programmes besides inaugural and foundation laying events aimed at strengthening the sports, healthcare and road connectivity infrastructure.

Earlier in the day, the Minister inaugurated U/19 girls Base Ball inter-district tournament at L/NK Shri Nazir Ahmad Wani, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kulgam. The tournament was being hosted by the Youth Services and Sports Department, Kulgam with participation from all districts of the Kashmir Division.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department in providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their talent. She encouraged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in sports and contribute positively for the overall development of the society.
During the extensive tour, the Minister laid the foundation stones for construction of a Health Sub-Centre at Gandwani, to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 40.00 lakh.
The foundation stones for construction and maintenance of the road from Chechmulla– Aharbal road to Lonepora, with an estimated cost of Rs.366.81 lakh; construction of road from Khuri Batapora ITI to Sheikhnagin with an estimated cost of Rs 30.00 lakh; construction of Aharbal Main road to Chandar Manzgam-A with an estimated cost of Rs. 18.00 lakh and construction of road from H/o Bashir Mirza to Gujar Basti kawtaqri with an estimated cost of Rs 15.00 lakh were also formally laid by the Minister.
The projects are aimed at improving the road connectivity, easing transportation and facilitating smoother movement of people in the adjoining areas of the district.
Sakeena Itoo spoke with the people and enquired about the public welfare issues and provision of government extended services to them. She emphasized directed sectoral and district heads to regularly monitor the works and ensure the timely completion.
The Minister was accompanied by District Programme Officer, ICDS Zaheer Ahmad Kafi, Kulgam, SDM DH Pora, Bashir-ul- Hassan, Assistant Commissioner Development Kulgam, Bilal Kamgar, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Executive Engineers of PDD, Jal Shakti, Irrigation and Flood Control Kulgam, Executive Engineer (R&B) DH Pora, besides other concerned officers and officials in presence of huge gathering of local people.