Athawale calls for effective implementation of central schemes

Srinagar, Aug 8: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale Thursday said that the government had undertaken several initiatives for the socio-economic empowerment of the disadvantaged and marginalised sections of the society.

He said that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had been implementing various schemes for the social, educational, and economic development of the target groups.

Athawale made these remarks during a meeting with the officers of the Social Welfare Department at Hari Niwas Guest House.

He said that the government had a mission that would ensure a paradigm shift in the socio-economic condition of the people belonging to the weaker sections of the society.

The union minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants his ministers to assess the on-ground situation and take feedback from the public to effect positive changes in the lives of marginalised groups.

He said that people should be made aware of the various central government schemes so that deserving benefits and justice are ensured to the last man standing.

Athawale directed the officers to implement central schemes at the field level more effectively in J&K.

He enquired about the population and the reservation benefits of the SC, ST, and OBC people in J&K and directed the concerned officers to take steps accordingly so that benefits percolate to the lower strata of the society.

Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda gave a detailed presentation of the factual position of the reserved community in J&K.

She provided details about the scholarship scheme, Prevention of Atrocities Act, old age homes, and residential schools and highlighted the initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of the reserved category population.

Nanda said that 15 castes had been included in the list of OBCs of J&K in addition to the existing 27 castes of OBCs.

She said that the reservation in direct recruitment and admission in various professional institutions increased from 2 percent to 4 percent in 2020 and from 4 percent to 8 percent in 2024.