Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that welfare of all sections of society is the government’s main responsibility rather than an act of charity.
Addressing a one-day event on ‘Empowering Communities – Welfare for All’ at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here, the chief minister stressed that welfare initiatives must be designed to reach the most disadvantaged sections of society, instead of benefitting only the privileged few.
He further underlined the importance of inclusive growth, saying that the government’s policies are aimed at empowering communities and ensuring equitable development.
He was addressing a one-day event on “Empowering Communities — Welfare for All” at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) organised by Social Welfare Department, J&K.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister said that while it is easy to deliver schemes to those who already enjoy resources, education and good health, the true test of governance lies in reaching the poor, the vulnerable, and those in far-flung rural areas.
“Social welfare schemes are neither favours nor acts of generosity. They are the rightful due of citizens who face greater hardships than others. Any government that ignores them or focuses only on privileged sections fails in its duty,” Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that from the beginning of his tenure, his cabinet — particularly Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo — worked with sincerity to prioritize the weaker and disadvantaged sections. “We knew we could not change everything overnight. But as the saying goes, drop by drop becomes an ocean. Our effort has always been to start where the need is greatest,” he added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underlined the government’s paradigm shift from charity-driven welfare to a rights-based approach, ensuring that benefits reach those who need them the most. He said that social protection measures are not favours, but the rightful entitlements of citizens facing socio-economic challenges.
The Chief Minister highlighted several flagship initiatives of his government, including enhanced marriage assistance for girls belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), an increase in pensions for over 10 lakh beneficiaries, and the provision of free public transport facilities for women to promote mobility and safety.
He also spelled out about the upgradation of 500 Anganwadi Centres into Saksham Centres and Bal Vidyalayas, designed to provide integrated child development, education, and nutrition services. In addition, new facilities such as Shakti Sadans and Vatsalya Sadans established to extend institutional care and protection to women and children in need.
Omar Abdullah also called for greater corporate participation in welfare efforts. Referring to schemes like distribution of scooters and assistive devices, he admitted that financial limitations sometimes delay benefits but stressed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from big businesses could complement government efforts.
Another major challenge, he said, was the lack of awareness about government schemes in remote areas. “It would be unfair if people in one district enjoy a scheme while those in another remain deprived. The government belongs to all districts and all communities of J&K. Welfare benefits must reach every corner of the state,” the CM asserted.
He highlighted the success stories of education loans and scholarships that have enabled many students to pursue higher education, with some even becoming doctors. “This is what we must strive for — using schemes to improve the daily lives of ordinary people. That, I believe, is the highest responsibility of any government,” Omar Abdullah remarked.
The Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition showcasing social welfare initiatives and schemes, and felicitated achievers who have made remarkable contributions in their fields. He also sanctioned loans in favour of women and disadvantaged groups, besides handing over prosthetic aids and scooties to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive empowerment.
He distributed keys of motorized cycles, sanction letters, and appreciation plaques to beneficiaries and achievers.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo said that under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, special focus was laid on addressing the needs of weaker, downtrodden, and elderly citizens. She recalled that during his previous tenure, old-age and widow pensions were enhanced significantly, and the same was further increased in the current tenure.
She also highlighted women-centric schemes that have empowered women and made them self-reliant, while stressing the need for awareness campaigns in far-flung areas so that people-centric schemes percolate to the most deserving sections.
Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary SWD Sarmad Hafeez, several MLAs from Srinagar and other districts (via video conference), and senior officers of the Social Welfare Department participated in the programme.
