Jammu : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Social Welfare Department, during which the Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, presented a detailed overview of the Department’s performance, implementation of the flagship schemes, financial status, infrastructure development and future priorities of the Department . The meeting was attended by senior officers including Secretaries, Mission Directors of Mission Poshan, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya, Directors of Social Welfare Jammu and Kashmir, Chairpersons of Advisory Boards and other concerned officials.
The participants at the review meet highlighted the operations of various entities under the Social Welfare Department, focusing on inclusive development, women empowerment, child welfare, nutrition security, and social protection for vulnerable groups. Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez emphasized the Department’s commitment to uplifting underserved populations through its Directorates, Mission Directorates, and dedicated corporations, such as the J&K Women Development Corporation. In terms of nutrition and early childhood care, it was reported that 99 percent of Anganwadi Centres are now equipped with essential infrastructure. The introduction of modern facilities in Saksham Anganwadis and the training of over 24,933 Anganwadi Workers under the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative have significantly improved grassroots participation through community-driven programs like Poshan Melas and Village Health and Nutrition Days. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has seen strong enrollment, with over 68,790 beneficiaries reported for the fiscal year 2025-26. The integration of Aadhaar and other technologies has streamlined beneficiary authentication. Additionally, the scheme for Adolescent Girls under Poshan 2.0 is effectively reaching over 24,900 girls in Baramulla and Kupwara, ensuring near-universal Aadhaar verification. Mission Shakti continues to empower women, with over 2,500 awareness workshops conducted and new facilities for women nearing operational status. One Stop Centres have supported 2,727 women, and the Women Helpline has managed over 22,000 calls, while Nari Adalats have been established in 50 Panchayats to address disputes. In child protection, Mission Vatsalya has made significant strides, with 23 Child Care Institutions established and 904 children rescued from labor and begging. The expansion of Child Helplines and the completion of the Vatsalya Sadan in Jammu are notable achievements. Social security initiatives under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) and NSAP are providing pensions to over 8.8 lakh beneficiaries, including vulnerable groups. Flagship schemes like Ladli Beti and the Marriage Assistance Scheme have provided substantial financial support, benefiting over 1.58 lakh women. Infrastructure development for old-age homes and rehabilitation facilities is ongoing, with a budget of ₹6,731 lakh approved for FY 2025-26. The achievements of statutory bodies, including the issuance of over 2.24 lakh UDID cards and the implementation of the NAMASTE Scheme, were also reviewed. Looking ahead, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for whole-of-government convergence, digital governance, and universal social protection, with a focus on mother-and-child care, skill development, and self-employment to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
