Early Times Report KATRA, Aug 12: During the visit of Sakina Masood Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, on the occasion of the inauguration of Government Degree College, Kakryal-Katra, Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency, submitted a detailed representation highlighting a range of important developmental and public-interest issues concerning the constituency. The MLA's proactive approach and consistent efforts towards addressing the genuine concerns of the people were reflected in the comprehensive representation, covering key issues relating to health, education, social welfare and connectivity. The MLA sought upgradation of CHC Katra into an Accident & Emergency Hospital/Trauma Centre, establishment of a properly equipped Laundry Unit at CHC Katra, and construction of NTPHC Panthal on suitable Government land near Panthal Bus Stop, as the existing building is in a highly dilapidated and unsafe condition. He also highlighted the need for a dedicated college bus with a regular driver for GDC Kakryal-Katra, provision of AYAs/Helpers in schools, creation and filling of necessary posts in GHS Bagdhar, GHS Panasa and GHS Dangakote, and introduction of the Commerce stream at GDC Kakryal-Katra and Government Higher Secondary School, Katra. The MLA further raised the demand for extension of the Ladli Beti Scheme to Reasi District. Giving equal importance to connectivity and public safety, MLA Baldev Raj Sharma strongly highlighted the difficulties faced by residents of Village Panthal, Ward No. 8, Panchayat Panthal, following disruption of access due to railway line construction. He sought removal of iron crash barriers and provision of proper gates, construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge, development of an alternate motorable road from the Sheep Husbandry area to Panthal, and restoration of the existing road/path and irrigation canal connecting Government Degree College Panthal with Khandak. Taking cognizance of the issues and demands raised by MLA Baldev Raj Sharma, Hon'ble Minister Sakina Masood Itoo directed the concerned departmental officers present during the programme to examine the respective demands and take necessary action on priority as per rules and feasibility. The Minister also directed the concerned officers to follow up the issues with the appropriate authorities so that the genuine concerns of the people are addressed at the earliest. The representation was submitted in the presence of Subash Chander, Special Secretary, Higher Education; Sukhleen Kaur, Director Planning; Naseem Javed, Director School Education; Dr. Poonam Sethi, Director Health; Ranjit Singh, Director Social Welfare; Dr. Sheikh Ajay Bashir, Director Higher Education; and Rajni Bhagat, Principal, Government Degree College, Kakryal-Katra, along with other concerned officers. MLA Baldev Raj Sharma was appreciated for taking up the issues of the constituency in a comprehensive and focused manner and for placing the genuine demands of the people before the Minister at an appropriate forum. His intervention reflected his continued commitment to improving healthcare, education, connectivity and social welfare facilities across Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency. The MLA expressed his gratitude to Minister Sakina Masood Itoo for giving due consideration to the issues and for directing the concerned departments to take necessary action in the larger public interest. |