SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Friday called for timely disbursal of payments under social welfare schemes to all eligible beneficiaries, urging strict adherence to eligibility norms and enhanced facilitation for low-income communities.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat, noting that most belong to financially weaker sections and should not be burdened with unnecessary formalities.
“The disbursement of welfare benefits must be both timely and inclusive. Social welfare is not just a transfer of money, but a mechanism of dignity, inclusion and empowerment,” said Itoo, emphasising complete saturation of all eligible cases and a transparent delivery system.
She also asked officials to streamline the disbursal process, particularly by resolving issues related to Aadhaar seeding which have been causing delays in fund transfers. The Minister urged JK Bank and Social Welfare officials to revisit and update the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the Ladli Beti scheme to better serve beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Social Welfare Kashmir, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Director Finance of the Social Welfare Department, and senior representatives from JK Bank.
Reviewing the status of schemes such as Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, Ladli Beti, Marriage Assistance, and the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), the Minister highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and elimination of duplication in beneficiary lists.
She directed the department to ensure that delays are addressed systematically and beneficiaries receive the support intended for them without procedural bottlenecks.
The Minister concluded by reiterating her commitment to equitable welfare access for the most marginalised sections of society, saying, “Every eligible citizen must feel the impact of these schemes in their daily lives.”
