Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary chaired a high-level review meeting of the Social Welfare Department at the Sankalp Hall in the Public Servant’s Residence complex, issuing a series of directives aimed at strengthening welfare delivery systems across Bihar.
Review Meeting Overview
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary H R Srinivas presented an update on ongoing schemes implemented through the Integrated Child Development Services, Directorate of Social Security, Directorate of Social Welfare, and the Women and Child Development Corporation. Senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office and other departments were also present.
Pension Disbursement Deadline
The Chief Minister directed that under all circumstances, social security pension amounts must be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts on the 10th of every month without delay. He stressed strict adherence to timelines to ensure uninterrupted support for eligible citizens.
Anganwadi Monitoring and Child Welfare
Choudhary called for intensive technological monitoring of Anganwadi centres to improve service delivery. He emphasised ensuring the attendance of workers and assistants, along with 100 percent participation of targeted children.
He noted that stronger functioning of Anganwadi centres would directly contribute to improved child development outcomes across the state.
Nutrition Indicators: Stunting and Wasting
The Chief Minister identified improvement in stunting and wasting indicators as a key priority area. He underlined the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen nutrition-related interventions and outcomes for children.
Expansion of Welfare Schemes and CSR
Choudhary directed that the scope of the Parvarish scheme and other social welfare initiatives should be expanded to include a larger number of eligible beneficiaries. He also called for a review of existing benefits to enhance their effectiveness.
He suggested exploring Corporate Social Responsibility support to strengthen Anganwadi infrastructure and operations across the state.
Administrative Staffing and Transparency
The Chief Minister instructed officials to take steps to fill vacant posts in the Social Welfare Department. He also emphasised the need for transparency, accountability, and time-bound monitoring in the implementation of all welfare schemes.
He reiterated that regular and effective functioning of Anganwadi centres must be ensured so that beneficiaries receive services without disruption.
