Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq, today distributed cheques worth Rs 1.20 crore among 354 beneficiaries as financial assistance under various Government welfare schemes in district Kupwara.The financial assistance includes marriage assistance cheques to 338 beneficiaries, medical assistance of Rs 50,000 each to ailing persons, besides Rs 75000 to next of kin of 15 deceased persons of the district.The cheque distribution function was attended by DC Kupwara Rajeev Ranjan, Assistant Labor Commissioner Kupwara and other senior officials of the district.During the function, Assistant Labor Commissioner briefed the Minister about various ongoing schemes of the department and progress achieved so far.Abdul Haq was also informed that 24218 persons have been registered with the Labor Department and are receiving financial aid directly in their bank accounts since 2012. It was stated that the Department has distributed Rs 15.45 crore as financial assistance to the beneficiaries.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister exhorted upon the officials of the Labour Department to raise awareness level among the people about various ongoing Government welfare schemes so that deserving people get benefitted.
Later, at TRC Kupwara, Abdul Haq inaugurated Rural Development Department’s awareness camp, aimed at creating awareness among the people about various schemes of the Department.Assistant Commissioner Development briefed the Minister about overall progress achieved in the district under various schemes of Rural Development Department.It was given out that under IAY construction of 821 houses was completed, while as under SBM 9011 units of IHHL were completed at a cost of Rs 3.10 crore.The Minister was informed that 97 percent of the allocated funds for the current fiscal have been utilized which accounts to Rs 30 crore, during which 2.17 lakh man days have been generated.He was informed that 4936 works have been completed in the district under MGNREGA, while as 3500 works have been finalized. Officials of the Department said 86108 job cards were also issued during the current fiscal in the district, besides 132 Panchayat Ghars were constructed under MGNREGA convergence programme at a cost Rs 9 crore.On the occasion, the Minister stressed the need for developing more valuable assets in rural areas of the district to generate employment for unemployed local youth.He said the departmental schemes can play an important role in changing the developmental scenario of the rural areas, besides improving the socio-economic condition of the people.