Patna : State Social Welfare Minister Dr Shweta Gupta on Wednesday reviewed the progress and monitoring mechanisms of schemes being implemented under the Directorate of Social Security.
The review meeting focused on the implementation status of centrally sponsored and state-run social security schemes. Senior officials, including H R Srinivas, additional chief secretary of the Social Welfare Department and Dharmendra Kumar, director of the Directorate of Social Security, briefed the minister on the schemes’ execution, achievements and current progress.
Focus on welfare coverage
During the meeting, Gupta said the schemes were aimed at providing financial assistance to economically weaker sections, including elderly persons, persons with disabilities, widows, leprosy patients and beggars.
She directed officials to identify and include all eligible beneficiaries who are currently excluded from the schemes so that welfare benefits reach all those in need.
The minister also instructed officials to ensure transparent and time-bound delivery of benefits and to strengthen coordination at the grassroots level through continuous monitoring.
Life certification progress reviewed
Officials informed the meeting that 91.25 lakh pension beneficiaries under social security schemes have completed their life certification process so far.
Gupta directed the officials to complete life certification for all pensioners. She asked to increase awareness through regular advertisements and inform beneficiaries about free life certification facilities available at panchayat-level camps and nearby Common Service Centres.
Appeal to pensioners
The minister appealed to all social security pension beneficiaries to complete their life certification by May 30 to ensure uninterrupted pension payments.
Officials of the Directorate of Social Security and other related departments were also present at the meeting.
