Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today reviewed the implementation of various social security schemes, including Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Aasra, Laadli Beti and widow or old age pension scheme in the State.
"Through various social security schemes, the government wants to create a social security network for the underprivileged and the weaker sections of the society in the state.
"There is a need for generating greater awareness among the masses about the scheme and facilitating them to join them, so that the benefits reach the intended sections of the society," Mehbooba said.
She said it was important to ensure a sense of economic security in the lower and under privileged strata of society, and APY is one such initiative taken by the Union Government.
Mehbooba said: "Through such pension schemes, we also want to have a system which could help people to create a source for them to be financially independent when their old age challenges them and dilutes their earning capabilities".
While reviewing the state social sector schemes like Laadli Beti and Aasra, the chief minister asked the Social Welfare Department which is the nodal department for identifying the beneficiaries under the schemes, to ensure "adequate penetration so that positive disposition about the girl child is created across the state".
With regard to pension for widows, elderly persons and the destitute, she asked the Social Welfare Department to work out the modalities for enhancement of monthly pension to these deserving beneficiaries from the present amount to Rs 1000 per month.
