Sakeena Itoo chairs multi-departmental review meeting at Jammu

JAMMU : Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday chaired a comprehensive multi-departmental review meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to assess medical arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY), Muharram observances, Monsoon preparedness and delivery of essential public services across Jammu.
During the meeting, the Minister undertook a detailed review of medical and allied arrangements being made for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, including deployment of medical personnel, availability of healthcare facilities, transportation logistics, sanitation, drinking water supply and electricity at transit camps and other key locations.
The Minister directed the health department and district administrations to ensure round-the-clock availability of medical staff, sufficient stocks of medicines, and deployment of ambulances at all Yatra transit camps. The Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) department were instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply and potable water.
Reviewing preparations for Muharram, the Minister emphasized the need for seamless coordination among departments to ensure the availability of all essential civic amenities and directed officers to work in close coordination with local committees in accordance with the directions already issued by the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
The Minister further instructed the authorities of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, to maintain adequate stocks of medical equipment and essential drugs in hospitals. She also reviewed the deployment plan for additional ambulances in remote and monsoon-prone areas that may face connectivity challenges during the rainy season.
Emphasizing preventive healthcare, the Minister directed the Health Department to ensure 100 percent coverage during the forthcoming Plus Polio Day on June 28 and undertake extensive awareness campaigns to maximize public participation.
Taking stock of monsoon preparedness, the Minister directed the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department, Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC), and Public Health Engineering Department to expedite repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure and complete desilting of nallahs and drainage channels at the earliest. The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Jammu Development Authority (JDA) were instructed to intensify sanitation drives, fumigation measures, and scientific waste disposal to prevent waterlogging and mitigate the risk of seasonal diseases.
Reviewing public utility services, the Minister instructed the Power Development Department to adhere strictly to notified power supply schedules, decongest overhead electrical infrastructure, and reduce transformer repair time to less than 24 hours. The Public Health Engineering Department was directed to ensure potable tap water supply to all habitations and arrange tanker services wherever pipeline infrastructure is yet to be completed.
On the education sector, the Minister directed the School Education Department and Higher Education Department to complete admission processes in a time-bound manner and commence academic sessions without delay. She emphasized promoting research-oriented education with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhancing enrolment in Government schools, and expediting infrastructure projects being executed under Samagra Shiksha.
Reviewing transport and market regulation, the Minister directed the Transport Department to strictly enforce government-notified fare structures, curb rash driving, and augment public transport services in far-flung areas. The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department was instructed to conduct regular market inspections to ensure quality standards, display of rate lists, and maintenance of adequate buffer stocks of ration and LPG.
Stressing the importance of coordinated governance, the Minister called for close inter-departmental collaboration and timely execution of all assigned responsibilities. She directed all departments to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) before the next review meeting.
Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, J&K, briefed the meeting on the department’s action plan and measures being undertaken to facilitate pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Director Colleges, J&K, also apprised the Minister of the status of the admission process and the range of academic programmes being offered in Government colleges.
The meeting, among others, was attended by the Managing Director, JPDCL, Heads of Departments, and senior officers from Health, Education, Power Development, Public Health Engineering, Information department, Industries and Commerce, Roads & Buildings, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Development Authority, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Tourism, Social Welfare, and other departments. Officers stationed outside Jammu participated through virtual mode.