Synopsis
On April 13, the Chief Secretary of J&K urged the Social Welfare Department to monitor child growth indicators while assessing the effectiveness of various welfare schemes aimed at enhancing child development and supporting marginalized communities.Key Takeaways
- The Chief Secretary emphasized monitoring child growth indicators.
- A comprehensive review of beneficiary schemes was conducted.
- Special focus on empowering disabled individuals and marginalized communities.
- Budget allocations for upcoming years showed significant increases.
- Quality education in Anganwadi Centers is a priority under NEP-2020.
Jammu, April 13 (NationPress) The Chief Secretary of J&K (CS) on Sunday directed the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to keep track of the growth indicators of children while assessing the effectiveness and outreach of various beneficiary-centric schemes managed by the department.
An official indicated that in a thorough review of the schemes, the Chief Secretary evaluated the successes and ongoing efforts focused on enhancing child development, nutrition, and the welfare of marginalized groups in society.
He noted that the CS conducted a targeted review of initiatives designed for the empowerment of disabled individuals, widows, senior citizens, and reserved categories within society.
The CS also assessed the effectiveness of the legal framework established to safeguard social justice, protection, and the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, he urged the department to improve staff capacity to deliver quality education to children enrolled in Anganwadi Centers, as outlined in the NEP-2020.
He also encouraged them to provide various pre/post-matric scholarships to students from marginalized communities, thereby ensuring meaningful access to modern education and truly empowering these communities.
He instructed the relevant department to monitor the growth indicators of both young children and adolescent girls across all AWCs, directing them to implement special measures for providing supplementary nutrition based on medical recommendations.
During the presentation on the department's operations, the Commissioner Secretary of SWD mentioned that for the financial year 2024-25, an amount of Rs 2,496.25 crore was earmarked under various schemes, with an impressive expenditure of Rs 2,147.24 crore (86 percent utilization).
For the year 2025-26, a budget allocation of Rs 4,361.14 crore (an increase of 68 percent from 2024-25) has been approved for the department.
He highlighted that scholarships are being distributed to minorities, SCs, and OBCs, in addition to providing prosthetic aids (ALIMCO) for individuals with disabilities.
Financial assistance for girl children and marriage support for economically disadvantaged families is also being provided under the Ladli Beti Scheme.
He pointed out that the department ensures pensions and scholarships for families affected by militancy, and it was noted that the department operates Pahari hostels for tribal communities while actively enforcing over 14 social justice laws throughout J&K.
He mentioned that the department oversees 28,183 Anganwadi Centers, with 136 AWCs upgraded to 'Saksham Anganwadis' featuring modern facilities during 2023-24.
