POONCH: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Poonch Vikas Kundal today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the DC Office Complex to evaluate the implementation and progress of the Financial Inclusion and Social Security schemes being executed in the district through banks and other financial institutions.

The DDC conducted an extensive assessment of saturation levels, enrollment status, target achievements and pendency related to major social security schemes including Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), PM Mudra Yojana.

He further reviewed progress under pension schemes such as Widow, Old Age and Disability pensions, State Marriage Assistance Scheme and the registration of Building and Other Construction Workers for various welfare schemes offered by Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB).

The DDC directed the officers to work in close coordination with banks to ensure the implementation of all schemes in letter and spirit. He emphasized the need to generate mass awareness about these initiatives and directed banks to organize awareness camps across the district to reach out to the grassroots level.

He urged all departments and financial institutions to redouble their efforts in bringing more eligible beneficiaries, particularly from economically weaker and marginalized communities, under the coverage of these schemes. He underscored the significance of these programs not merely as financial tools but as critical social security instruments offering insurance, pension, and livelihood support to the unorganised sector.

Furthermore, he called for improved coordination between the banking sector and concerned departments for effective rollout of the Smart KCC Scheme, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended targets without delay.

The meeting reinforced the district administration's commitment towards inclusive growth, with a strong focus on social justice, financial empowerment, and poverty alleviation.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Poonch, ACP, ACD, DSWO, CMO, Assistant Labour Commissioner, XENs PWD (R&B) Poonch/Mendhar/Surankote, XEN PMGSY, LDM, Cluster Head J&K Bank and other concerned officers.