‘Delay in filling vacant posts a grave concern, address procedural bottlenecks on priority’: Sakeena Itoo to JKSSB

Srinagar, Oct 08: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday reviewed the ongoing process of recruitments in the Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education departments, emphasizing the need for expediting appointments to ensure better service delivery at the grassroots level.

Chairing a review meeting with senior officers of Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB), the Minister underlined the importance of strengthening key public service sectors, particularly health, which continues to play a critical role in community welfare. She expressed concern over the delay in filling vacant posts and directed that all procedural bottlenecks be addressed on priority to ensure timely recruitment.

“The health sector is directly linked to the well-being of our people. Timely filling of medical, paramedical, and support staff positions is essential for improving patient care and reducing the workload on existing employees,” Minister Sakeena maintained.

The Minister also took stock of vacancies in the Education department, stressing that schools, especially in rural and far-flung areas, must not suffer due to staff shortages. She called for a transparent and merit-based recruitment process to ensure deserving candidates are given fair opportunities.

The Minister urged the concerned authorities to maintain coordination between recruiting agencies and departments to avoid unnecessary delays. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that both the health and education sectors receive focused attention, noting that these are the pillars of a progressive and inclusive society.

“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are our strength. Creating employment opportunities through timely and transparent recruitment will not only strengthen institutions but also restore faith in governance,” the Minister stated.

While reviewing status of recruitments in Social Welfare department, Sakeena Itoo underscored the need for regular monitoring and inter-departmental coordination to avoid procedural delays. She called upon officials to submit detailed status reports on vacancies, selection progress, and appointment timelines to ensure continuous oversight.