Sakeena Itoo reviews functioning of JKSCSTBC Development Corporation, JKWDC

• Emphasises sustainable livelihood opportunities for targeted beneficiaries, maximising awareness among common masses

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting to review the performance and functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes (JKSCSTBC) Developmental Corporation at Civil Secretariat here.

During the meeting, the Minister underlined the Corporation’s role in uplifting marginalized communities by ensuring access to financial assistance, skill development as well as entrepreneurial opportunities. She directed the officers for efficient implementation of various schemes being operated by the Corporation so that the desired benefits reach targeted beneficiaries.

The Minister called for maximising awareness among the concerned communities so that maximum people can take benefit of these schemes. “Organise awareness camps and use media, especially traditional media like Radio and TV to generate awareness among masses of these communities”, Sakeena asked the officers. She further called upon the management of the Corporation to collaborate with schools and colleges as well as skill development institutes for targeting desired beneficiaries in these institutions.

While reviewing loan disbursement procedure, self-employment schemes and other ongoing welfare schemes, Sakeena Itoo asked the officers to maintain transparency and efficiency while implementing these schemes. She asked the management of the Corporation to streamline processes, strengthen coordination with financial institutions and introduce measures to facilitate sustainable livelihood opportunities for the targeted beneficiaries.

The Minister also asked the Corporation for implementing single window system for processing applications under different schemes so that the people don’t face any hiccups while applying for any of the beneficiary oriented schemes. Meanwhile, the Minister also reviewed the performance and functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Development Corporation (JKWDC).

During the review, Sakeena Itoo took stock of the Corporation’s ongoing schemes, including livelihood generation schemes for women. Addressing the officers, the Minister underscored the pivotal role of WDC in uplifting women by providing them with opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship and financial independence. “WDC is a vital instrument in our mission to ensure gender equity and empower women to contribute meaningfully to society”, Sakeena stated.

She emphasized on the importance of effective implementation of schemes, directing the officials to ensure that schemes reach grassroots levels and deliver tangible benefits. “WDC must be utilised as a catalyst for change, enabling women to overcome barriers and build sustainable livelihoods”, she maintained.

The Minister further called upon the officers to maintain transparency in recovery of loans. She asked them to take action against the recovery agents indulging in fraudulent activities. Sakeena further delved on the officers of both the Corporations to organise interaction camps with the beneficiaries on regular basis in order to gather feedback from them about the implementation of these schemes.

The meeting, among others, was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sanjeev Verma; Secretary Tribal Affairs, Prasanna Ramaswamy; Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring, Talat Parvez Rohella; Managing Director, WDC, Managing Director JKSCSTBC Development Corporation, Secretary Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People, representatives of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), representatives of Finance Department and other concerned officers.