J&K Social Welfare Review: Chief Secretary Pushes for Universal Social Protection and Vulnerable Care

JAMMU, January 14, 2026 — Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a comprehensive review of the Social Welfare Department today, emphasizing a “whole-of-government” convergence to ensure universal social protection for Jammu and Kashmir’s most vulnerable sections.

During the session, Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez and various Mission Directors presented a detailed performance overview, revealing that the department currently provides pensions to over 8.8 lakh beneficiaries, including old-age persons, widows, and persons with disabilities, with payments cleared up to November 2025.

The meeting highlighted the success of Mission Poshan, noting that 99% of Anganwadi Centres now feature functional infrastructure and over 24,933 workers have been trained under the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” initiative to facilitate childhood transitions into formal schooling.

The review further underscored significant strides in women’s empowerment and child safety through Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya. Key achievements include the assistance of 2,727 women via One Stop Centres, the handling of over 22,000 calls by the Women Helpline-181, and the rescue of 904 children from labor and begging.

Additionally, the Marriage Assistance Scheme has reached a historic milestone, benefiting over 1.58 lakh women with a cumulative expenditure exceeding ₹757 crore since its inception. Chief Secretary Dulloo concluded by stressing the importance of digital welfare governance and livelihood-linked assistance to realize the strategic goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.