Srinagar: Minister Sakina Ittoo on Saturday launched a veiled attack on those responsible for the erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, indirectly targeting the PDP, while laying the foundation stones for the Government Degree College (GDC) Mattan and Primary Health Centre (PHC) Mattan.
“I have always maintained that those who reduced Jammu and Kashmir from a State to a Union Territory are responsible for the present situation. This is the result of their so-called ‘favour’ to the people,” she remarked, in an apparent dig at the PDP.
Commenting on the shift in administrative powers, she said, “When we were a State, our authority and powers were much greater. The powers in a Union Territory are not the same — that’s the biggest difference.”
The minister added that since the formation of the current government, consistent efforts have been made to ensure delivery of public services at people’s doorsteps. She credited MLA Reyaz Khan for raising the long-pending demand for a proper PHC building in Mattan.
“People were facing hardships in patient care. Today, we have laid the foundation stone. The building will be completed within two years, and patients will get much better healthcare facilities,” she said.
On the Budgam election campaign, Ittoo expressed amazement at the massive turnout during the Chief Minister’s visit. “I was surprised by the enthusiasm of the people. Entire villages came out, roads were crowded, and the welcome was heartwarming. I am confident — I trust Allah first and then the people of Budgam — that our candidate will win with a strong majority,” she said.
Addressing concerns about private schools, Ittoo noted, “We have received some complaints, which are being examined. Necessary action will be taken wherever required.”
