Azad seeks coordinated efforts for uplift of underprivileged

Srinagar, July 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today called for earnest and coordinated efforts for the uplift of the underprivileged in the state, saying NGOs and other government institutions could play a vital role in giving a boost to the economic condition of the disadvantaged people.

He stated this at a high-level meeting of central and state social welfare boards officials here.

The Chief Minister stressed on the need for strict monitoring of state and central social welfare schemes across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly remote areas.

The newly-appointed Additional District Development Commissioners in all districts, including the recently created ones, will be given a task to closely monitor the functioning of such centres, he said.

Mr Azad said 'numberdars' and 'chowkidars' whose remuneration was recently enhanced from Rs 90 to Rs 500 per month could also be involved with supervision of these centres.

The meeting said the Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Advisory Board had sanctioned 1477 schemes at a cost of Rs 6 crore this year as compared to 591 in 2006.

These include creche, condensed course of education, vocational training, awarness generation programmes, family counseling centres, short stay homes like 'Apna Ghar' and 'Neha Ghar' and construction of hostels for working women.

Last year, 160 awareness camps were organised and an 'Apna Ghar' set up for martyrs of 1999 Kargil war besides 3000 women and girls imparted training in various trades through 101 courses.

In addition, the board set up 30 production and 129 dairy and sheep units and other employment generating units across the state, benefiting 5000 women, the meeting was told.

UNI