J-K people will never trust PDP in future: Minister Sakina Itoo

Srinagar, Mar 04: Minister of Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo on Tuesday criticised Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for happenings done since August 05, 2019 including Article 370 abrogation in Jammu and Kashmir. She said the people of Jammu and Kashmir will never trust PDP in future.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir trusted the PDP in 2002 and again in 2014, but they have learned from their mistakes. Our statehood, our special status under Article 370, our jobs — everything is lost because of them. People regret giving them two chances," Minister Sakina Itoo told reporters outside Legislative Assembly in Jammu.

She alleged that even during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure with Congress, governance in Jammu and Kashmir suffered badly. "The position of Chief Minister itself was diminished due to their actions," she asserted.

When asked about the lacunas in the state's healthcare system, she admitted to long-standing deficiencies, particularly a shortage of doctors and paramedics. She accused previous ministers of focusing only on ceremonial events of cutting a ribbon and carving names on stones rather than real progress in health infrastructur.

"If past administrations’ records were examined, they would be embarrassed. They only cut ribbons, but nothing substantial was done for augmenting healthcare infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir," she said.

She assured that Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and services in J&K. “In just three months, we have done more work than what was achieved in last ten years. We are dedicated to ensuring good healthcare services, proper patient care, and filling vacant positions in the sector," she said.

Itoo reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfilling the needs of the people, promising significant improvements under the current leadership. "The government is duty bound to address genuine issues, and so accordingly demands will be resolved," she stated.

She expressed happiness over the ongoing budget session, asserting the positive return of elected representatives to the assembly is a welcome step.