Kargil, Sept 30: Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RDD & PR) and Secretary, Social Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Shashanka Ala stressed the importance of innovative strategies and convergence of efforts to ensure maximum impact in Ladakh’s remote and challenging terrain.
Commending the RDD & PR work, Ala said, “The Rural Development Department plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic progress of Ladakh. While the achievements are commendable, we must aim for greater efficiency and timeliness in execution.”
The Secretary the other day conducted a comprehensive review of the department’s functioning during a meeting held in Kargil.
The review began with a detailed presentation by Director RDD & PR, Syed Sajjad Qadri (JKAS), highlighting the department’s physical and financial achievements under the State Development Plan (SDP), State Sector schemes, and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs).
A threadbare discussion was also held on the execution of flagship programmes such as Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, Ladakh Rural Livelihoods Mission (LRLM), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
During the meeting, Secretary Ala engaged with officers on scheme-wise progress, identifying bottlenecks and suggesting process improvements.
The meeting was attended by District Panchayat Officer, Ms. Raziya Khatoon; Accounts Officer DRDL, Sh. Sajad Hussain; Assistant Director Planning DRDL, Sh. Mohd Liyaqat; all Block Development Officers (BDOs) of Kargil district; and NRLM staff. Officers from Leh district joined the proceedings virtually.
Earlier in the day, Ala chaired a meeting to review the physical and financial status of works under the Special Development Package (SDP) being executed by NHIDCL and CPWD.
During the meeting, the Secretary took detailed updates on scholarships under Tribal Affairs, including Pre-Matric and Post-Matric categories.
She directed the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) to prepare a saturation model and ensure proper profiling for old age pension beneficiaries.
The Secretary also reviewed the implementation of the Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWP), and Indira Gandhi Disability Pension (IGDP). She instructed concerned officers to strengthen coverage under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) and expedite the creation of Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards.
Further, she inquired about the status of REWA LG scholarship, SAKSHAM Anganwadi, SNP, Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti.
Stressing on women’s welfare, she directed the department to strategize Mission Shakti and ensure manpower gaps are addressed, including preparing waiting lists to meet demands effectively.
The Secretary also reviewed cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and functioning of One Stop Centers and Child Help Line.
She emphasized close group awareness programmes and sought a clear action plan for effective outreach.
Highlighting the need for specialized support, the Secretary asked to organize training of unique courses to enhance women’s employability in emerging fields such as disaster management, solar panel installation, and other skill-oriented trades.
Director Social Welfare, DPO ICDS Kargil, District Social Welfare Officer Kargil, Accounts Officer Social Welfare, besides other officers and officials of the department attended the meeting.
