Srinagar, June 21: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today said that the Government is making consistent efforts for empowering youth and creating opportunities for them for inclusive growth and development across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister made these remarks while presides an award function at SKICC here today, organised by New Light Education and Environmental Services Foundation (NEESF) and New Light Education and Environmental Society (NEES), to felicitate outstanding achievers for their exemplary contributions in the fields of education, social service, youth empowerment, and community development.
While addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the transformative role of education in shaping society and appreciated the efforts of NEESF and NEES in recognizing excellence and promoting a culture of achievement among students, educators, professionals, and social workers. She emphasized the need for collective efforts towards empowering youth and creating opportunities for inclusive growth and development.
The Minister highlighted that since formation of this government, Education department has been given much focus and continuous measures are being taken to improve the quality of education in public educational institutions of J&K. “Facilities ate being upgraded in all schools to improve learning environment and other outcomes”, she stated.
The Minister further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah education sector witnessed tremendous importance in the allocation of Budget.
Highlighting the importance of education for society, the Minister said that in our religion it is said that ‘even if you have to go to China to get education, you should not stop, you should go’.
The Minister also called upon all the stakeholders to consider it responsibility for making the education sector nest among all sectors, so that the children of Jammu and Kashmir can get the best quality education and can easily face all the competitions in the future.
The Minister also congratulated all award recipients and encouraged them to continue contributing positively to society through their dedication, innovation and service.
Speaking on the occasion, the organizers expressed their gratitude to the Minister for unwavering support for educational and social initiatives. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing educational excellence, social welfare, and youth empowerment through meaningful programmes and partnerships.
The Minister also presented awards and certificates to different achievers from diverse fields .
Among others, the programme was attended by Director School Education Kashmir, prominent academicians, educationists, social activists, community leaders, representatives from various institutions, and a large number of students and youth participants. Several individuals and organizations were honoured for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to society.