Ensure welfare schemes benefit every individual, officials told

Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development and Redressal of Public Grievance Minister Jagat Singh Negi chaired a meeting of the District-Level Development Plan and 20-Point Program Committee at the ITDP building conference room in Kinnaur today. He urged officials to ensure welfare schemes reach

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every individual.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted the positive impact of the 20-Point Program in eradicating poverty and improving the living standards of marginalised groups. “The programme focuses on food security, employment generation, agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, the empowerment of women and vulnerable groups and other socio-economic aspects,” he said.

Negi also announced new schemes under the programme, including rural marketing centres in collaboration with panchayats and social security for agricultural and unorganised sector workers. He urged officials to ensure the schemes are effectively implemented across the district.

Detailed discussions were held on the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and necessary guidelines were issued to officials concerned. The District Labour Officer was directed to make proper arrangements for accommodation and food for workers in the tribal district of Kinnaur. Additionally, the Revenue and Civil Supplies Departments were tasked with completing e-KYC for all ration cardholders in the district.

The minister further instructed the officials of the Jal Shakti Department to address the drinking water problem in the Sungra Panchayat promptly and to install hand pumps where necessary. He also directed officials drinking water pipes be installed at a depth of 2.5 feet and water storage tanks should be cleaned regularly.

Minister Negi said under the MGNREGA scheme, 20,673 job cards have been distributed, creating 6,55,657 employment opportunities so far. The institutional delivery rate stands at 94.7 per cent, while the immunisation rate for infants is 77.3 per cent. Additionally, financial assistance has been provided to 728 families belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

Following this, Negi chaired a meeting of the Patient Welfare Committee at the Regional Hospital in Reckong Peo, where he stressed the importance of providing excellent healthcare services in district hospitals. He instructed officials to maintain high-quality services and said modern medical equipment would be provided under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He added vacant medical specialist positions in the district would be

filled soon.