Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Degree College (GDC), Majalta, in Udhampur district.
Udhampur East MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa, senior officials, faculty members, students and local residents were present on the occasion.
Congratulating the college fraternity and the local community, Itoo said the completion of the permanent campus reflected the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and improving opportunities for students in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
She also stressed the need to build a drug-free society and urged educational institutions to play a proactive role in raising awareness against substance abuse.
“The youth are the backbone of the nation and must be guided towards constructive, creative and socially responsible pursuits,” she said.
The minister urged students to stay away from drugs and harmful addictions, saying substance abuse destroys lives and adversely affects families and society.
She emphasised the importance of counselling, awareness campaigns, sports activities and community participation in tackling the menace.
Itoo said educational institutions, as centres of moral guidance and discipline, had a vital role in keeping young people focused on education, character-building and nation-building.
She said the inauguration of the permanent campus marked an important milestone in the growth of Government Degree College, Majalta, and reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education in remote areas.
Addressing the gathering, Pathania lauded the efforts of the college administration and reiterated his commitment to educational development in the constituency.
Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma highlighted the importance of quality higher education, youth empowerment and infrastructure development in rural institutions.
