Srinagar, April 25 : Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday responded to recent remarks by PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra regarding her educational qualifications, saying she had completed her 10+2 and had pursued MBBS before leaving it due to personal circumstances.
MLA Parra had recently criticised education minister Sakina Itoo, claiming that she was a “12th pass minister,” triggering a political exchange.
Addressing a gathering at Baramulla degree College for women minsiter itoo as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said she had studied up to higher secondary level and went on to pursue an MBBS degree but could not complete it.
“Yes, I have done 10+2. After that, I went to pursue MBBS, but I could not complete it due to certain reasons,” she said.
The minister said leaving her studies midway was a difficult phase in her life and added that she had not initially planned to enter politics.
Minister Itoo said she joined politics following the death of her father, who had no sons, and she had to take responsibility under challenging circumstances.
“I had never thought I would join politics, but due to difficult circumstances, I had to choose this path,” she said.
She said people supported her despite her lack of experience at the time and credited National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah for guiding her in public life.
Minister Itoo also raised the issue of gender, saying women in public life often face scrutiny over issues that are not raised in the case of male politicians.
She said several ministers in the past did not face questions over their educational qualifications and added that such criticism was selectively directed. (KNS)
