Sitamarhi: Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, conducted a comprehensive inspection and review of departmental schemes, social security pensions, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and child protection institutions across Sitamarhi district on Thursday.
The day’s inspection commenced at the Buniyaad Center in Sadar Dumra block. Secretary Preyashi closely observed the various services offered, including physiotherapy, audiometry, ophthalmic unit, counseling unit, and the UDID card making camp. She engaged directly with children suffering from Cerebral Palsy, their families, and other beneficiaries, listening to their concerns and expressing satisfaction with the quality of services provided.
During her visit to the Buniyaad Center, she issued several key directives, emphasizing that the center must function as an integrated service delivery hub, all eligible elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities are to be swiftly linked to social security pension schemes, effective implementation of beneficial schemes such as the Chief Minister Disability Marriage Promotion Scheme, Artificial Limbs Distribution, and Motor Tricycle Scheme must be ensured, and the process for UDID card issuance should be expedited to clear pending cases.
Focus on Child Protection and Pensioner Welfare
Following the Buniyaad Center, the Secretary inspected the Special Adoption Institute and Children’s Home (Children), reviewing the care, nutrition, health, and hygiene systems for the children. She directed that all personnel be provided with identity cards and urged them to be sensitive and proactive in fostering the proper development of the children.
A crucial review meeting was subsequently held at the District Child Protection Unit Office, Sitamarhi, chaired by the Secretary. Attendees included ADSS, ADCP, ADDE, DPM, CWC, Buniyaad Center, and other district-level officials.
Key instructions from this meeting included the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processes related to the death of social security pensioners, clearly defining the roles of all stakeholders; updating the marital status records of beneficiaries for Divyangjan Pension on the SSPMIS portal; establishing better coordination with the Civil Surgeon’s office to ensure timely issuance of cards to UDID card applicants; ensuring online application facilities for the Sambal Yojana and Chief Minister Old Age Pension Scheme at Buniyaad Centers; arranging computer sets and operators for every Buniyaad Center; a specific directive to the ADCP to work actively towards providing timely compensation to victims under the POCSO Act; and arrangements for regular coordination meetings between the District Welfare Officer and the District Child Protection Officer.
Anganwadi Centers and Quality Assurance
Secretary Preyashi also conducted an inspection of Anganwadi centers in Koili Panchayat under Nanpur block. This was followed by a meeting with the District Program Officer, Child Development Project Officers, and Women Supervisors, where the inspection of 11 Anganwadi centers was reviewed.
During this session, the Secretary directed that women supervisors must ensure quality-based inspection of all Anganwadi centers every month, with strict disciplinary action to be taken against personnel found negligent in their inspection duties; the standards of the Nutrition Tracker are to be reviewed intensively; the processes for FRS (Food Ration Scheme), VHSND (Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Day), HCM (Hot Cooked Meal), and take-home ration distribution must be further strengthened; and construction of Anganwadi buildings should commence soon on plots where building permission (NOC) has been obtained, to ensure more effective service operation.
The Secretary also inspected the District Program Office in Sitamarhi, issuing instructions for the improved execution of schemes.
Secretary Preyashi reiterated the Social Welfare Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of every child, elderly person, person with disability, and woman in the state. She affirmed that the department will ensure that the benefits of all schemes related to nutrition, health, social security, and rehabilitation reach the needy in a timely and effective manner.
