DC Poonch reviews functioning of Social Welfare Department

POONCH, JANUARY 17: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal today chaired a meeting here in the conference hall of DC Complex to review the functioning of the Social welfare Department.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of effective implementation of social welfare schemes aimed at benefiting the community. The review evaluated the implementation of initiatives, including scholarships, pension disbursement, and support programs for vulnerable groups.

Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer Wakeel Ahmed Bhat provided a comprehensive overview of the department’s operations and the execution of key schemes such as the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), and the Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS).

The Deputy Commissioner noted that there are currently 67,951 pensioners in the district, categorized under Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, and Disability allowances. He urged the Social Welfare Officer, Tehsil Social Welfare Officers, Assistant Commissioner Labour and Block Medical Officers to conduct site visits in slum areas to assess health-related issues affecting children and to organize outreach camps to provide necessary support.

Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need for a care plan for youth aged 18 and above to ensure they have opportunities for a brighter future. He also reviewed the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) and One Stop Centre (OSC), aimed at supporting women affected by violence.

At the end, the Deputy Commissioner directed all officers to ensure cent percent coverage of all social welfare schemes, reinforcing the commitment to uplift the community and support its most vulnerable members.