JK CM Mehbooba Mufti suggests revisiting criterion for welfare schemes

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today suggested revisiting the criterion laid down for beneficiaries in various welfare schemes, particularly for the student community, in view of the changed economic and social indicators.

She made the suggestion while chairing a review meeting of the J&K advisory board for development of scheduled castes here, an official spokesman said.

Mehbooba stressed on achieving cent per cent execution of scholarship and coaching schemes for the students of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

She also directed simplifying the procedure for issuance of SC certificates among the genuine applicants, an official spokesman said.

"There is a need for taking the welfare schemes for the SC community to their doorstep to ensure their optimal execution," Mehbooba said and asked the departments concerned to launch awareness drives about these schemes among the intended groups so that these people are able to reap the benefits and also these schemes are optimally executed.

The Chief Minister directed the respective deputy commissioners for involvement of the SC board members in the implementation of various schemes and programmes aimed at welfare of the community in their jurisdictions.

She also asked for timely release of funds for the schemes meant for welfare of the SC community so that the same are not allowed to lapse.

Mehbooba assured the members of the board that their concerns regarding the promotions to the members of their community would be looked into by the government.