‘Onus of availing benefits of govt schemes lies with citizens’

Doda, Jan 11: “The onus of availing benefits of the government schemes lies with the citizens, and a joint effort by the policymakers, communicators, citizens as well as those responsible for the implementation at the ground level is needed to ensure the welfare schemes serve the intended purposes,” said an official of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Government of India.
Vikram Uppal, Incharge CBC, Field Office, Doda, said this in his welcome address during an outreach program – Mini (Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme) ICOP – organized by the CBC, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Government of India, at Doda which concluded here on Wednesday.
The program was aimed to create mass awareness about the Prime Minister’s 15-point program for minorities. The event was held under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by the CBC’s Field Office Doda.
The official said that under the PM’s 15-point program for minorities, special attention was being given to the states and UTs where a substantial minority population is present. He said the Government of India has various schemes for an individual which one can avail of right from the pre-natal stage to death. He expressed gratitude towards the coordinating departments for their cooperation and support.
Uppal advised the students to avail benefits of the government schemes and earn besides studies to become Atamnirbhar (self-reliant). He urged the students to spread the message to their respective areas.
Tahir Jameel, Trustee Ekta Mahila Mandal Educational Trust, was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, he appreciated CBC for organizing the outreach programs in the district, especially in coordination with Ekta Mahila Mandal Educational Trust (EMMET), to cater to the young population.
“In the present age, information is a very powerful tool for empowering masses and there is a need to reach out to the people living in the rural areas,” Tahir said. He impressed upon the people to avail benefits of different welfare programs being implemented across various sectors by the Government of India as well as the J&K administration. He mentioned various subsidy schemes being run by the Government of India for the benefit of the people.
A large number of students from different educational institutions and local people participated in the program and got information from the schemes projected through the seminar and cultural program followed by a pre-publicity event i.e. drawing competition on Tuesday in Doda.