Govt Committed to Expanding Quality Education in Remote Areas of J&K: Sakeena Itoo
Inaugurates Newly Constructed Building of GDC Majalta in Udhampur
Udhampur (Majalta), May 15 (PTK): Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Thursday said that the government is committed to expanding access to quality education and ensuring better educational opportunities for students living in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister made these remarks while inaugurating the newly constructed building of Government Degree College Majalta in Udhampur district amid enthusiastic participation from students and local residents.
MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa, senior officers, faculty members and students were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo congratulated the college fraternity and local community on the completion of the permanent campus building and termed it a major step towards strengthening higher education infrastructure in rural and far-flung areas.
The Minister stressed the urgent need for building a drug-free society and called upon educational institutions to play a proactive role in spreading awareness against substance abuse. She said the youth are the backbone of the nation and must be guided towards constructive, creative and socially responsible pursuits.
She urged students to stay away from drugs and harmful addictions, stating that substance abuse not only destroys individuals but also adversely impacts families and society. She emphasized the importance of counselling, awareness campaigns, sports activities and community participation in combating drug abuse.
The Minister said educational institutions, as centres of moral guidance and discipline, have a vital role in character-building and nation-building by helping young minds remain focused on education and positive development.
Speaking on the occasion, Ranbir Singh Pathania appreciated the efforts of the college administration and reiterated his commitment towards educational upliftment in the constituency.
Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Ram Niwas Sharma highlighted the importance of quality higher education, youth empowerment and infrastructural development in rural institutions.
In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Shalini Sharma presented a detailed report on the achievements and developmental journey of the college and expressed gratitude to the government and Higher Education Department for strengthening educational infrastructure in the region.
The Minister also released the college newsletter, planted a sapling in the college premises and inspected the campus infrastructure.
Students presented theme-based cultural performances and a Nukkad Natak on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan during the programme.(PTK)
