Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez, today chaired a detailed review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to assess the performance and progress of departmental schemes and projects in the Kashmir Division.
The meeting commenced with a comprehensive presentation by Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Mohammad Akbar Wani, highlighting implementation status of flagship schemes, infrastructural projects and related reforms.
The Commissioner Secretary issued clear directives for timely and transparent implementation of pension coverage and the Marriage Assistance Scheme, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefit without delay.
He instructed the officers to maintain high standards of service delivery and empathy towards the public. A major thrust was laid on enhancing the impact of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with actionable initiatives focusing on drug demand reduction and social sensitization.
The Commissioner Secretary emphasized the role of the department in contributing meaningfully to this national mission. The status of infrastructure development under the UT Capex Budget was reviewed, with instructions for timely utilization of funds and completion of ongoing projects.
During the meeting, the projects under SIPDA (Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act), Old Age Homes at Akura (Anantnag) and Ganderbal and Abhinanda Home were evaluated for operational and infrastructural improvements.
Besides, reports on NGO-run Senior Citizen Homes, Minority and Centrally Sponsored Scholarships and Pension Disbursement (NSAP) were also discussed. The officers were directed to expedite the reporting process and resolve any pending cases.
Emphasis was laid on the linking of mobile numbers to beneficiary accounts and ensuring last-mile connectivity through Bank Sakhis. The meeting also took stock of progress on the PM-JVKV (education sector), PMAY-G (VDP preparation in SC village, Anantnag) and the New Beginning (Beggary Home) project in Srinagar.
Additionally, attention was given to the Jansugam Portal, court case updates and the procedure for weeding out ineligible cases, ensuring robust transparency mechanisms. The meeting was attended by Secretary in Social Welfare Department, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Director Finance, Executive Director J&K Rehabilitation Council, Joint Director Planning, NIC officials, J&K Bank representatives and District Social Welfare Officers of all districts in the Kashmir Division.