Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla today said that Social Welfare Department was playing a pivotal role in extending helping hand for upgrading the socio-economic condition of those belonging to below poverty line, adding that in this regard Central and State Governments have launched number of welfare schemes like ISSS, IGNOAP and NFBS.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering after distributing 800 cheques to old aged, widow and physically challenged beneficiaries of Gandhi Nagar constituency, here today.
Mr. Bhalla said that UPA Government has provided liberal funding to the State Government under Social Welfare Sector for distribution of financial assistance to old aged, widow, handicapped and NFBS beneficiaries. In 2012-13, he said Government disbursed Rs. 3 crore as exam fee, orphan scholarship besides scholarship to minority persons (sikh community), Schedule Caste and Other Backward Classes as financial assistance under norms.
Mr. Bhalla said that about five lakh people belonging to poor sections of society are being benefited under various schemes launched by the Social Welfare Department including pre-matric, post matric scholarships. He said that age for scholarships under Rehabilitation Council has been increased to 25 years from existing 18 years and amount of scholarship increased to minimum Rs.1,250 from early Rs 850 per month.
The Minister said that during the last four years, Government has taken a number of revolutionary steps to streamline the functioning of the department. He said that under old age pension scheme, the senior citizens are getting financial assistance through bank accounts.
Mr. Bhalla said that efforts are on to clear the pendency of old age pension cases and assured that the issue would be solved soon. He said that the main objective of paying the old age pension through banks was to bring more transparency in the disbursement.
Later, Mr. Bhalla also visited Bahu Fort and Flagged off Shree Naba Dass Ji Shoba Yatra on the eve of 439th “Parkash Diwas” of Guru Nabha Dass ji.
The yatra was organized by All Jammu and Kashmir Mahasha Sadar Sabha and Goswami Nabha Dass ji Mission. Jhankies depicting the life of Guru ji participated in the Shobha Yatra.
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