NGOs asked to play vital role in helping poor

Jammu, Jan 14 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Minister for SocialWelfare Sakina Itoo today said NGOs can play a pivotal role inremoving the sufferings and hardships of the downtroddensections.

She said the government would encourage those groups whichcome forward and provide voluntary service for mitigating thesufferings of the weaker sections.

Mere formation of NGOs is not enough, she said, askingthem to ascertain the problems and difficulties of peopleliving below poverty line.

She said government is providing monthly pensions toold aged people, disabled, widows and militancy-victimfamilies to sustain their life.

The Minister said though government is providing monthlypension, it is not enough and asked NGOs to play an importantrole in creating awareness about the welfare schemes.