BANDIPORA: For the vulnerable community in Bandipora, the Department of Social Welfare stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to easing the lives of these people by providing a helping hand at the times when they need them the most, be it differently-abled persons, senior citizens or the underprivileged unmarried daughters of the society.
The Government’s Marriage Assistance Scheme provides crucial financial support to unmarried girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them Rs. 50,000 to assist in their journey toward marriage.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais said, that in 2023, the scheme witnessed an impressive response, with over 2,400 applications received, of which 1,939 were successfully verified.
Notably, approximately 5.52 crore rupees have been disbursed, benefitting 1,104 daughters in Bandipora, and relieving their parents’ financial burdens.
“This was because of continuous engagement with the stakeholders at the grassroots level involving PRI members to ensure more genuine beneficiaries will avail the benefit of these schemes,” Dr Owais added.
The department’s impact extends beyond matrimonial support, as it has distributed approximately 1.25 crore rupees worth of prosthetic aids. This assistance includes motorized and manual tri-cycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and various other essential items.
This tangible support has significantly transformed the lives of those in need, granting them newfound independence and mobility.
Nazir Ahmad, the General Secretary of the JK Handicapped Association, expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to go the extra mile in alleviating the suffering of differently-abled individuals in the district.
He specifically highlighted the distribution of scooters (Scooty) to the young differently-abled population as a remarkable milestone achieved by the administration.
This initiative, according to Ahmad has significantly eased the challenges faced by young people with disabilities. He also acknowledged the close coordination between the District Social Welfare Office and their organization, which has been instrumental in resolving the specific issues faced by differently-abled individuals.
Furthermore, he praised the government for simplifying the online registration process, not only streamlining the system but also ensuring that only eligible individuals with disabilities are included in the registry, thus making the support more targeted and effective.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora highlighted the significant impact of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Integrated Social Security Schemes (ISSS) in providing essential financial support to 27,000 individuals in the district.
He said this support encompasses various forms of assistance, including old-age pensions, widow pensions, and aid for physically challenged persons. Notably, 19,356 beneficiaries receive support through the Old Age Pension Scheme, while 5,043 individuals benefit from different Disability Pension schemes.
Mir Hidayatullah, the Bandipora District Social Welfare Officer revealed that an additional 2,508 widows receive assistance through various Widow Pension Schemes. “The total expenditure on these pension schemes has reached an impressive 8.56 crore rupees since April of the current year”.
In addition to the pension schemes, the District Social Welfare Office in Bandipora has played a crucial role in supporting education by verifying and recommending 11,000 scholarship applications for final payment, furthering the educational opportunities for students in the district.
Mohammad Azhar Malla, a student from Hajin Sonawari is physically handicapped and currently pursuing a master’s Degree in Kashmiri from the University of Kashmir. He said it was impossible for him to pursue the degree and travel through public transport daily.
He said the social welfare department came to his rescue by providing a three-wheeler Scooty. “It saves my time and money and I am able to pursue my studies. Thanks to Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Social Welfare for handholding,” He said.
While expressing gratitude to the government, Malla said social welfare is like a guardian for him. They also provide me with a monthly pension like pocket money to meet my basic needs.
The Department of Social Welfare in Bandipora is not limited to providing financial assistance; it’s actively combating drug addiction. The establishment of the District Drug Deaddiction Centre (DDAC) earlier this year marked a significant step in this fight.
In just six months, DDAC has registered 189 patients, with many successfully recovering and reintegrating into society, breaking free from addiction’s grip.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad said with the inclusion of an IPD facility in the DDAC, they are able to treat chronic drug addicts as well.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Sakhi One Stop Centre, Senior Citizens Home, CCI Girls, CCI Boys, and the District Disability Rehabilitation Center are all working under the department’s supervision to implement various welfare programs for the public.
Dr. Owais Ahmed paints a picture of a thriving community, where the Social Welfare Department’s tireless efforts have woven a safety net for those in need. With a heart-warming achievement of reaching 100 per cent saturation in the old-age pension scheme, touching the lives of 27,000 deserving recipients, this district sets an inspiring example.
He highlighted several novel initiatives that are currently operational in the district, including the OSC (One-Stop Centre), Drug De-Addiction Centre, a Senior Citizens Home, and separate orphanages for girls and boys. “These initiatives are dedicated to serving the most vulnerable segments of society”.
He emphasized the district administration’s proactive approach to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries are covered. “This involves conducting panchayat-wise surveys in consultation with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to guarantee that no deserving individual is left without assistance,” he informed.
Dr. Owais also mentioned the close monitoring of all stakeholders by the district administration and its collaboration with civil society members, organizations, and other agencies committed to the welfare of citizens. “Their collective efforts are aimed at achieving 100 per cent saturation for all welfare schemes.”
He emphasizes that this journey is far from over; it’s an ongoing mission to uplift society. As he aptly puts it, “The department remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the most vulnerable sections of society and improving the lives of those in need.” In Bandipora, they’re not just writing history; they’re rewriting the future with compassion and resolve.
