Srinagar, Oct 25: Minister of Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Masood on Friday called upon the officers to initiate a solid fight against the menace of drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir to save future generations.
Chairing the introductory meeting of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to review its performance and functioning, the minister impressed upon the officers to initiate the process of establishing drug de-addiction centres in every district and sub-district hospital so that the victims of this peril can be saved and counselled properly.
Reviewing the performance of different schemes of the department, Sakeena said this department forms the core of the welfare of the common masses as well as the backward class communities. She advised them to work with sincerity so that these schemes are implemented properly and due benefits reach the deserving beneficiaries.
Reviewing the functioning of One Stop Centres (OSCs), Anganwadi Centres, Nari Adalats and other aspects of SWD, Masood directed the Commissioner Secretary SWD to create maximum awareness among the women folk about the assistance being provided at OSCs. She asked the Commissioner Secretary to use traditional media like Radio and TV to create awareness as these mediums have maximum reach.
Regarding the Anganwadi Centres, the minister directed the officers to bring more transparency and accountability in the process of providing nutrition to beneficiaries of these centres.
Sakeena directed the Commissioner Secretary to look into the feasibility of increasing the Marriage Assistance from existing Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
She reviewed the human resource position of the SWD and directed the officers to fill up all the vacant posts on a fast-track basis and refer posts to the recruiting agencies on a regular basis. She also asked them to conduct regular DPCs so that employees on promoted on their due dates.