KULGAM, May 2: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today inaugurated a newly constructed primary school building at Zambalnard in DH Pora area of Kulgam district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized that education remains a top priority for the government and efforts are being intensified to upgrade infrastructure, ensure quality teaching and improve overall learning outcomes in educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Access to quality education is the cornerstone of a progressive society. This new school building will not only strengthen the educational framework in the area but also encourage higher enrolment and retention of students,” the Minister said.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment towards improving educational facilities and ensuring a conducive learning environment for students, especially in rural and far-flung areas. She highlighted that strengthening primary education remains a top priority for the administration.
The Minister also interacted with locals, teachers and students, and assured that all necessary steps will be taken to further enhance educational standards and infrastructure in the district. She highlighted that this newly inaugurated school building, equipped with modern facilities, will provide a conducive learning environment for young students.
Later, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Zumbalnad–Baidjahalan road, reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic development and improved connectivity in rural areas.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister reiterated the government’s focus on inclusive and equitable development. “We are committed to bridge developmental gaps and ensure that no area remains underserved. Projects like these reflect our resolve to bring governance closer to the people,” she added.
She highlighted that this project is expected to significantly improve connectivity, ease transportation challenges and boost local economic activities. She underlined that improved road infrastructure is essential for ensuring access to essential services like education, healthcare and others.
During the visit, the Minister also held a Public Darbar at Baidjahalan and interacted directly with local residents.
She listened to various public grievances and other issues on various aspects like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, assuring them timely redressal of genuine concerns.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to take prompt action on the issues highlighted by Public, highlighting on the importance of responsive and accountable governance. She reiterated that public outreach programs like these are vital for strengthening trust between the government and citizens.
“The government is firmly committed to citizen-centric governance. Public Darbars provide an important platform for people to voice their concerns and for the administration to respond effectively,” she said.
Director School Education Kashmir, senior officers of district administration Kulgam, other officers and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.

LEH/JAMMU, May 2: The Department of Posts in Jammu and Kashmir Postal Circle on Saturday released a special cover to commemorate the grand exposition of the holy relics of the Tathagata Buddha at Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the exposition of the holy relics of Tathagata Buddha and the 2569th Buddha Purnima celebrations in Leh during his two-day visit to Ladakh.
Officials said the special cover was unveiled at a function organised by the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh at Jivetsal in the Choglamsar area.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu released the cover in the presence of Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra. The event was organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in partnership with the All Ladakh Buddhist Association and the All Ladakh Gonpa Association, under the theme “Peace Beyond Borders”.
Officials said the sacred exposition of the Holy Relics is being held for the first time since the authenticated relics of Lord Buddha were excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh in 1898.
Thousands of devotees, many dressed in traditional Ladakhi attire, lined the streets from Leh airport to catch a glimpse of the relics.
Officials said releasing the special cover would preserve the historic ceremony in the Department of Posts’ philatelic records. Arvind Kher, Superintendent of Post Offices, Ladakh Postal Division, was also present on the occasion.
The revered Piprahwa relics of Tathagata Buddha, ancient sacred remains and associated objects linked to Gautama Buddha discovered at Piprahwa in present-day Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border, arrived in Leh on Wednesday.
Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery brought the relics from Delhi to Leh in a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
Officials said the relics would be available for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to 10. They will then be exhibited in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, followed by an exposition at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14, before being flown back to Delhi on May 15.
In his address, Shah said Buddha Purnima marks a historic and truly golden occasion for the residents of Ladakh. He said on this auspicious occasion, the arrival of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha after 75 years would inspire followers of Buddhism as well as other faiths.

NEW DELHI, May 2: Lyricist Prasoon Joshi has been appointed chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated Joshi on his appointment, calling him is a “rare creative spirit.” “My heartfelt congratulations to Shri Prasoon Joshi ji on his appointment as Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board. Prasoon ji is a rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and cinema, yet his heart beats unmistakably for India,” he said.
“His words carry the fragrance of our soil, and his vision reflects the timeless essence of our culture. Under his stewardship, Prasar Bharati will discover renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a fresh creative voice, he added.”