PDP responsible for J&K’s downgrade to Union Territory: Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, Nov 8: Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday held the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) responsible for Jammu and Kashmir’s downgrade from a state to a Union Territory, saying those behind the move must own up to the region’s present crisis.
Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation stones for the Government Degree College (GDC) Mattan and the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Mattan, Ittoo — who heads the Health and Medical Education, Education, and Social Welfare departments — also denied reports that her ministry had directed schools to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
“We never passed any such order, nor did I sign it,” Itoo said. “Those who pushed us from a state to a Union Territory are responsible for today’s situation — including such directives. This is their doing, their so-called ‘favour’ to the people,” she added, in a veiled attack on the PDP.
Political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the PDP, had boycotted Thursday’s Vande Mataram anniversary celebrations, even as the administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha went ahead with official events. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that his government had not authorised the programmes.
Commenting on the loss of administrative powers since J&K’s downgrade, Ittoo said, “When we were a state, our authority and powers were far greater. Today, the powers available in a Union Territory are not the same. That is the biggest difference.”
She said the government’s priority was to improve public services, especially healthcare. “People were facing difficulties in patient care. The new PHC building will be completed within two years, and patients will receive much better healthcare facilities,” she said.
On the Budgam election campaign, Itoo said she was buoyed by the public response during Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent visit. “Entire villages came out, roads were filled, and the reception was overwhelming. I trust Allah first and then the people of Budgam that our candidate will win with a strong majority,” she said.
Itoo also confirmed that her ministry was reviewing complaints against private schools. “We have received some complaints and will take necessary action after examining them,” she said.
