In an era when bureaucracy often overshadows empathy, the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government to relax the minimum qualification bar for the Marriage Assistance Scheme stands out as a rare act of governance rooted in compassion.
The credit for this humane and inclusive move goes unequivocally to Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo, whose conviction and sensitivity towards the plight of the marginalized have brought a welcome change to countless poor families across the Union Territory.
As per the recent Government Order, the mandatory requirement of being an 8th Class pass to avail benefits under the scheme has been relaxed until March 31, 2028. This might seem like a small administrative change, but in reality, it carries immense social weight. It acknowledges a truth often ignored by policymakers — that poverty, not lack of will, keeps many girls away from schools.
By steering this reform, Sakina Itoo has chosen inclusion over indifference. Her initiative restores dignity to families who were unfairly excluded from welfare benefits simply because their daughters lacked a piece of paper certifying education.
In remote and underprivileged areas, where educational access remains a struggle, the previous rule had become a cruel barrier. Many families, already burdened with the economic pressures of marriage, found themselves disqualified on technical grounds.
This move is not about lowering standards — it is about understanding circumstances. It reflects a governance philosophy that places people before paperwork. Minister Itoo’s decision sends a powerful message that social welfare must never become conditional upon privilege.
Her statement — that there is “no purpose in having an educational bar in a scheme meant to help underprivileged girls” — captures the very essence of compassionate politics. It is this kind of leadership that bridges the gap between policy and people, between files and feelings.
For too long, welfare initiatives have been lost in bureaucratic language and rigid conditions, defeating their moral purpose. By breaking that cycle, Sakina Itoo has reaffirmed that governance can be both efficient and empathetic. She has demonstrated that social justice is not achieved through slogans, but through sensitive policy corrections that directly touch lives.
Public response to this decision speaks volumes. Across villages and small towns, people have applauded her initiative, viewing it as a ray of hope for hundreds of deserving girls who were earlier denied assistance. It is being hailed not merely as a government order, but as a gesture of compassion that restores faith in public institutions.
In a time when governance is often measured in statistics and targets, Sakina Itoo has reminded us that the true measure of leadership lies in the ability to listen and to heal. Her approach embodies the belief that justice and mercy can coexist — and that no one should be punished for circumstances beyond their control.
This decision, simple yet profound, is a step towards inclusive governance — one that recognizes the struggles of the poor and responds with understanding rather than indifference. It is a reminder that the purpose of welfare is not to judge but to uplift.
If implemented in its true spirit, this reform will not only change the fate of many young women but also strengthen the moral fabric of our society — a society where love, compassion, and support should never be conditional.
“محبت ہی وہ طاقت ہے جو زخموں کو مرہم دیتی ہے،
سیاست اگر دل سے ہو تو عبادت بن جاتی ہے۔”
(Love is the power that heals every wound; when politics comes from the heart, it becomes an act of worship.)
The writer is a Graduate from Govt degree college Kulgam
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