REASI: District Development Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik today chaired a meeting to review the implementation and progress of financial inclusion and social security schemes across the district.

The meeting witnessed detailed discussions on key schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), RuPay Debit Card distribution, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Scheme, various pension schemes, Marriage Assistance Scheme, Smart Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

While reviewing the implementation, the DDC emphasized the need for greater awareness among the public regarding the Marriage Assistance Scheme. She directed the Social Welfare Department to intensify outreach efforts so that more eligible beneficiaries can avail the benefits. She also instructed that once applications are received under the scheme, the processing must be expedited to ensure timely disbursement.

Highlighting the importance of financial inclusion, DDC Malik directed the bank officials to work in mission mode to increase the issuance of RuPay debit cards to all bank account holders. She also called for improved coordination between banks and concerned departments for the effective implementation of the Smart KCC scheme and to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are reached.

Further, she advised bank officials to actively inform and educate the public visiting banks about key schemes like PMJDY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), so that awareness increases and coverage targets are achieved. She added that a follow-up review would be conducted in 15 days to assess the progress made by banks in implementing these schemes.

During the meeting, DDC Reasi took update on the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board(BOCWWB) Schemes. It was informed that a total of 13,455 workers are registered under the scheme in the district, of which 4,227 are active. The DDC urged stakeholder departments to work in a coordinated manner to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of these vital welfare and financial schemes.

CPO Narinder Kumar, representative from Cluster Head, ALC and other concerned officers were present.