Raises Concern Over Deployment of 14,000 Teachers on Census Duty, says have written to LG Sinha over the issue
Srinagar, June 12: Minister for Education, Health and Medical Education, and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo on Friday said the restoration of statehood remains the legitimate right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that if the security situation has improved and stone-pelting has ended, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) should also be reviewed.
Speaking to reporters at MG Gung after visiting health facilities in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS Itoo said, “Statehood is the right of Jammu and Kashmir. We want back what we had earlier.”
Referring to the issue of statehood restoration, she said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the Cabinet resolution seeking restoration of statehood has already been sent to the Centre. She added that a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is also being planned to press for the demand.
On AFSPA, the Minister said, “If the situation is normal and stone-pelting has stopped, then AFSPA should be removed from Jammu and Kashmir first.”
Addressing the issue of education, Itoo said she has written to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration regarding the deployment of nearly 14,000 teachers on census duty, stating that schools were already facing a shortage of teaching staff and academic activities were being adversely affected.
Speaking about healthcare infrastructure, the Minister said the under-construction Srinagar Area Hospital building is expected to be handed over within one month.
“Chief Minister Sahab has said it will be handed over within one month. After that, we will ensure all necessary facilities, including equipment, doctors and other requirements, are made available,” she said.
During her visit to Gousia Hospital Srinagar along with senior National Conference leader and MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, the Minister reviewed healthcare facilities and infrastructure.
She said Gousia Hospital caters to nearly 10,000 patients every month but is facing space constraints. To address the issue, she announced plans for construction of an additional medical block in the adjacent park area.
“The proposal has my approval. A DPR will be prepared and initially a prefabricated structure will be constructed so that patient care is not affected due to overcrowding,” she said.
Highlighting improvements in the health sector over the past one and a half years, Itoo said the Omar Abdullah-led Government has focused on strengthening infrastructure, increasing availability of doctors and installing modern medical equipment.
She said around 500 doctors have already been appointed and another 400 are expected to join soon.
The Minister also urged people to acknowledge the efforts of healthcare workers who continue to work under immense pressure while serving patients.
“We have been trying to make doctors and healthcare staff more accountable and responsive. Wherever there are complaints, we are addressing them and taking corrective measures,” she said.
Itoo reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better patient care across Jammu and Kashmir. (JKNS)
