Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, NOV 4: Minister for Social Welfare, Forests, Ecology and Environment, Bali Bhagat today launched the social security scheme Ladli Beti at Anantnag today.
Another insurance-based scheme AASRA, aimed at benefiting low-income families of the State was also launched in the district.
People’s Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti, Minister for Horticulture, Hajj and Auqaf Abdul Rahman Veeri, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Asiea Naqash, MP, Nazir Ahmad Laway, former MP, Dr. Mehboob Beig, former legislator, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Director Social Welfare, Kashmir, Hashmat Ali Itoo, DC Anantnag Muneerul Islam, other officers of the district, concerned staff of Social Welfare Department and the beneficiaries were present on the occasion.
Terming female infanticide as a heinous crime, Bali Baghat urged the society to come forward and put in place concerted efforts to create congenial environment where a girl child gets fair opportunity to prove her mettle in each and every sphere of life.
Expressing concern over the increasing gap in the child sex ratio of the state, the Minister said that poverty is the main cause of such alarming trend and the birth of girl child can only be encouraged when they are economically strengthened and launch of Ladli Beti scheme is one such step in this direction.
The Minister directed the Social Welfare Department to identify beneficiaries in a transparent manner and encourage registration of casual labours, daily wagers and SPOs under the AASRA scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, PDP President and Member Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti said that social taboos and poor economic conditions hinder the intellectual and professional growth of a girl who is considered burden on the parents, adding initiatives like Ladli Beti are aimed to break this stereotype. She asked the beneficiary families to come forward and take benefits of the scheme.
Hailing the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for launching Ladli Beti and AASRA schemes, Minister for Horticulture, Hajj and Auqaf Abdul Rehman Veeri said that Chief Minister has shown keen interest in these two social security schemes and it marks beginning of a new era in the empowerment of weaker sections of the society.
At the conclusion of the programme registration certificates were distributed among the identified beneficiaries under the Scheme.
Director, Social Welfare Department revealed that underLadli Beti Scheme, 1100 cases have been approved till date and 2300 cases are in the pipeline. Under AASRA, he said, 9000 cases have been approved.
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