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Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar chaired a high-level meeting to undertake a comprehensive review of the functioning of various Divisions, Bureaus, Corporations and institutions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in the National Capital here this evening. 

The meeting focused on strengthening the implementation of key Central Government schemes, enhancing inter-departmental coordination and ensuring that the benefits of welfare programmes reach all eligible beneficiaries, particularly those at the last mile.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Minister’s Office, Joint Secretaries and other senior officers representing the various Divisions and Bureaus of the Ministry.

The review reaffirmed the Ministry’s focus on coordinated implementation, effective public outreach and strengthened delivery mechanisms to ensure that the benefits of its social justice and empowerment programmes reach eligible beneficiaries across the country.

Addressing the officers, Dr. Kumar emphasised the need to adopt a comprehensive 360-degree approach towards the planning, implementation, monitoring and communication of the Ministry’s schemes and programmes. He called upon officials to ensure that every initiative is designed and implemented with a clear focus on the needs of prospective beneficiaries, effective service delivery and measurable outcomes on the ground.

Recalling the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”, the Minister underscored the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to social empowerment.

 

He advised officers to strengthen coordination with the Social Welfare Departments of States and Union Territories, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to facilitate smooth, seamless and effective implementation of welfare schemes.

Dr. Kumar directed senior officers to work diligently, carefully and proactively in formulating and implementing schemes, programmes, initiatives and action plans that respond to the needs of all stakeholders. He stressed that effective coordination, regular monitoring and timely corrective measures are essential to overcome implementation gaps and ensure that the intended benefits of government interventions reach eligible individuals and communities across the country.

The Minister also emphasised the need for greater public awareness of the Ministry’s schemes and programmes through systematic dissemination of information on their objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits and application procedures. He called upon officers to ensure that prospective beneficiaries receive clear, accessible and timely information so that eligible individuals can avail themselves of the benefits for which they qualify.

Emphasis on Publicity, Outreach and Beneficiary Awareness

Dr. Kumar directed officials to give greater visibility to the progress, achievements and impact of the Ministry’s flagship schemes and initiatives through print, electronic, digital and social media platforms. He stressed that effective communication must complement implementation efforts, enabling information about government support to reach the intended beneficiary groups across the country.

 

The Minister specifically reviewed the need to publicise the progress and achievements under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA); Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY); National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE); Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY); and the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).

He further underscored the importance of disseminating information on measures for strengthening the machinery for the enforcement of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He also called for wider outreach regarding the SMILE initiative, including its components relating to the comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging and the welfare of transgender persons, as well as schemes for the construction of hostels for OBC boys and girls.

The Minister observed that the systematic dissemination of scheme-related information, implementation progress and success stories would help improve awareness, encourage eligible beneficiaries to access available support and strengthen public understanding of the Ministry’s welfare interventions. He emphasised that communication efforts should be closely aligned with implementation priorities and directed towards reaching the intended beneficiary sections, including those who may not have adequate access to information about government schemes.

Focus on Transparency, Effective Implementation and Last-Mile Delivery

Reiterating the importance of transparency, accountability and efficiency, Dr. Kumar called upon all officers and officials to ensure that the Ministry’s schemes and initiatives are implemented effectively and that all eligible prospective beneficiaries are identified and covered in accordance with the applicable scheme guidelines.

He encouraged officers to share constructive suggestions, innovative ideas and practical feedback for improving the Ministry’s functioning, strengthening institutional coordination and enhancing the overall effectiveness of its programmes. The Minister appreciated the ideas and feedback received from officers and emphasized the importance of a responsive and collaborative administrative approach in achieving the Ministry’s objectives.

Earlier, the Minister also inspected various sections of the Ministry and interacted with officers and officials. He appreciated their dedication and hard work and sought their continued commitment towards improving the delivery of welfare services and the effective implementation of the Ministry’s programmes and initiatives.

PR-173-TAR/KV/GA/RK

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