• Says these schemes align with Omar led govt’s broader vision of ensuring sustainable development, health equity

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting to review progress on implementation of various schemes of Social Welfare department like ICDS (POSHAN), Mission Shakti, Mission Vastalya, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY) and other schemes. Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department (SWD), Sanjeev Verma; Mission Director ICDS; District Programme Officers; representatives of Mission Shakti, Mission Vastalya and other concerned officers of SWD were present on the occasion.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the status of fund utilisation under CAPEX, recruitment of Anganwadi workers and helpers, physical and financial position of Anganwadi Centres and other issues of the ICDS project. Addressing the officers, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the critical role of POSHAN Abhiyan in addressing malnutrition and promoting holistic health among children, pregnant as well as lactating women. She highlighted that these schemes align with the Omar Abdullah led government’s broader vision of ensuring sustainable development and health equity across Jammu and Kashmir.

While reviewing the functioning of Anganwadi Centres, the Minister stressed upon the DPOs for maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene within the centres. She delved upon the officers for maintaining regular supervision of these centres within their respective districts to maintain quality of nutrition provision for the beneficiaries. ā€œConduct surprise visits on regular basis to ascertain the quality of nutrition as well maintaining accountability of these centres ā€œ, she asked the officers.

The Minister, while reviewing other aspects of these schemes, asked the Mission Director POSHAN for use of digital tools for real-time monitoring of beneficiaries. She advised them to develop a mobile application for monitoring of beneficiaries as well as officials on ground.

Highlighting that the SWD has major contribution in upliftment of society, the Minister called upon all DPOs for amplifying the awareness regarding these schemes in their respective districts. ā€œUse traditional media like Radio and TV for creating awareness among people, especially in far off areas regarding these beneficiary oriented schemes. Other means should also be used to generate awareness among people regarding different schemes of the department ā€œ, Sakeena Itoo said.

The Minister, during the meeting, also enquired about the functioning and performance of One Stop Centres, Balvidayalas, Early Childhood Care & Education programme and other schemes. She impressed upon the officers for maintaining transparency and financial discipline while implementing these schemes. She also delved on them for timely submission of utilisation certificates so that the financial viability can be maintained.

The Minister, on the occasion, also called upon the Mission Director for timely completion of recruitment process of Anganwadi Workers as well as Helpers besides other staff. During the meeting, Mission Director POSHAN informed that J&K has been ranked 5th across the country on Poshan Tracker and upto December 2024, 28,179 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been registered on Poshan Tracker. He also informed that more than nine lakh beneficiaries have been registered on Poshan Tracker, out of which 99% are Adhaar verified. It was also informed in the meeting that 98% AWCs are with functional toilets and drinking water facilities while as 96% are with electricity connections.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡