JUNE 14: Anil Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, chaired an introductory-cum-review meeting to evaluate the current status and progress of various central and Union Territory-level welfare schemes being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir. The session served as both an initial interaction and a comprehensive assessment of key social welfare programs.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the implementation of crucial schemes such as Mission Poshan, the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), Ladli Beti, and several other welfare initiatives aimed at providing financial and nutritional support to the vulnerable sections of society. Principal Secretary Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach the maximum number of eligible beneficiaries without delay.
He underscored the need for timely disbursement of pensions and other financial assistance under these schemes. A special focus was placed on improving the delivery mechanisms to ensure that pensions and entitlements are credited to the beneficiaries’ accounts promptly, thereby enhancing their financial stability and social security.
The Principal Secretary also highlighted the significance of strengthening the welfare infrastructure at the grassroots level to facilitate smooth and efficient implementation of these programs. He stressed that well-developed infrastructure, combined with transparent and accountable processes, is key to achieving the intended outcomes of the government’s welfare policies.
In addition, Anil Kumar Singh directed the concerned officials to regularly monitor the field-level functioning of these schemes, address any existing bottlenecks, and adopt best practices from other regions to further enhance the quality of service delivery. The emphasis was laid on using technology to improve transparency, track beneficiaries, and ensure real-time monitoring of the schemes.
The review meeting also discussed ways to improve coordination among various departments and stakeholders to maximize the impact of the welfare schemes. Principal Secretary Singh reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is left out and that the welfare programs serve their purpose of supporting the economically weaker sections, women, children, and senior citizens.
The Social Welfare Department’s continuous efforts reflect the government’s larger objective of inclusive growth, social equity, and improved living standards for all citizens, particularly the marginalized communities of Jammu and Kashmir.