Constructive dialogue always welcome; disrespect, abuse have no place in our culture: Sakina Itoo

Baramulla, Apr 25: Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo on Saturday said that the constructive criticism has been always acceptable and encouraged in a democratic society, but disrespect and abuse particularly on social media have no place in our culture.

Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of a newly constructed Science Block at Government College for Women Baramulla, Sakina Itoo highlighted the importance of maintaining decency in public discourse and cautioned against the growing misuse of online platforms. She was indirectly referring to the remarks of the opposition leaders regarding her educational qualification and the hype given to the issue on social media. “Constructive criticism is always welcome, but the kind of abusive language used online is unacceptable and reflects poorly on society,” she said. Speaking about the developmental initiatives in Baramulla, the minister said significant progress has been made over the past one and a half years, with projects across key sectors including education, roads, and healthcare being initiated and funded as well. She said around 10,000 projects have been approved under various government schemes, adding that work on all these projects was ongoing “despite challenges.”

She further said that women are increasingly making their mark in administration and governance, including in top decision-making roles in Jammu and Kashmir. She meanwhile lauded the Principal of the college and whole staff for maintaining high standards and effective institutional management.

Indirectly reacting to the criticism over her educational qualifications, Sakina Itoo said she had completed her higher secondary education and also enrolled for MBBS, which she could not complete “due to personal circumstances” following the death of her father. She credited former J&K chief minister and president of the J&K National Conference Dr. Farooq Abdullah for mentoring and guiding her in her political journey. “Farooq (sahab) Abdullah raised me like her daughter. He guided me all the time since I started my political journey,” she said. About the issue of gender bias, the education minister said women in public life often face disproportionate scrutiny and unnecessary criticism.