Kargil, Sept 30: “We must ensure that the benefits of social welfare schemes reach every eligible citizen efficiently,” said Shashanka Ala, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, during a meeting held today to review the physical and financial progress of projects under the Special Development Package (SDP) executed by NHIDCL and CPWD.
Secretary Ala received detailed updates on scholarship programs 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 accurate profiling of old age pension beneficiaries.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of key welfare schemes such as the Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWP), and Indira Gandhi Disability Pension (IGDP). Secretary Ala emphasized strengthening coverage under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) and expediting the issuance of Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards.
Officials briefed her on initiatives including the REWA LG scholarship, SAKSHAM Anganwadi, Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Shakti. Highlighting women’s welfare, she instructed the department to address manpower gaps and maintain waiting lists to ensure timely delivery of services under Mission Shakti.
Child protection measures were also discussed, with Secretary Ala reviewing cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as well as the functioning of One Stop Centers and the Child Help Line. She called for targeted group awareness programs and a clear action plan to improve outreach.
Emphasizing skill development, Secretary Ala urged the organization of specialized training programs to enhance women’s employability in emerging fields such as disaster management, solar panel installation, and other skill-oriented trades.
The meeting was attended by Director Social Welfare, DPO ICDS Kargil, District Social Welfare Officer Kargil, Accounts Officer Social Welfare, and other senior officials of the department.
