A day-long awareness camp on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and other beneficiary schemes was held today at Dak Bungalow Baramulla in which Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan, was the chief guest.The programme was organized by Rural Development Department in collaboration with the district administration in which a large gathering of people and rural youth participated.On the occasion, the Minister highlighted the role of various government sponsored schemes including MGNREGA and other allied welfare schemes in transforming the socio economic condition of rural community. He said that creating awareness among the masses about various welfare schemes is the need of the hour.While appreciating the Department for organizing such programmes, he said that the coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti has taken various initiatives regarding rural development and poverty alleviation. Reiterating the Government’s commitment for the welfare of people, he said that about 35 blocks have been selected in the district in which at least 1.20 lakh unemployed youth are being given skill development training.Earlier, different cultural programmes and plays were presented highlighting the importance of several government sponsored schemes in uplifting the socio-economic status of the people.District Development Commissioner, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Naqash, Director Rural Development, ACD, BDOs, Panchayat Inspectors & Secretaries, and field functionaries of the Department were also present on the occasion.