WOMEN EMPOWERMENT RECEIVING EQUAL FOCUS: OMAR INAUGURATES JK CSWB OFFICE

Only Kashmir Jan 14 (Only Kashmir) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday inaugurated the new Office Complex of J&K State Social Welfare Board at Pragati Bhawan here. He also inaugurated electronic- APPLICATION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTION by NGOs (e-AWEDAN).

Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Chairperson Centre Social Welfare Board (CSWB), Prema Caraippa, Advisor to the Chief Minister Mubarak Gul, Chairperson Social Welfare Board, Khem Lata Vakloo, Vice Chairman Kissan Board, Rachpal Singh, Vice Chairman OBC, Kuldeep Verma, Vice Chairman Pehari Welfare Board, Mustaq Ahmed Bukhari were present on the occasion among others.

Omar Abdullah had online interaction with the functionaries of Centre Social Welfare Board New Delhi. He was given brief about the functioning of e-AWEDAN by the officials of CSWB through video conferencing.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that State government has initiated an ambitious strategy of public empowerment adding that the empowerment of women constitutes its important part. He said that government is committed to ameliorate the lot of women and weaker sections of the society.

The Chief Minister said that state sponsored and centrally assisted schemes are under implementation in the state in social welfare sector to provide various assistances and financial help to poor, needy and economically backward sections of the society.

Omar laid stress on putting missionary zeal in implementing welfare schemes aimed at all-round socio economic development and rehabilitation of destitute, orphans, needy and weaker sections of the society. He said added efforts are required to pull these sections above poverty and bring them at par with others.

The Chairperson CSWB presented resume of the functioning and programmes of CSWB in the state. She also spoke in detailed about e-AWEDAN.

The matters pertaining to the development of women and children in the state were discussed by the J&K State Social Welfare Board Chairperson Khem Lata Vakloo, who also talked about the special package announced by the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the state.

The Minister for Social Welfare said that the matter of special package has been taken up with the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and it will be further persuaded for sanction.

The Chief Minister also interacted with various beneficiaries, VOs and NGOs on the occasion.