Sakina, Shabir distribute orthotic-prosthetic aids, appliances

Excelsior Correspondent

Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo and MoS Health Shabir Ahmad Khan distributing wheel chair to a handicapped child at Jammu on Friday.

JAMMU, Nov 22: As a sequel to the endeavours of the Omar led Coalition Government of providing succour to militancy victims besides supporting accident sufferers and other naturally disabled, Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, and Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan distributed orthotic -prosthetic aids and appliances among 100 beneficiaries of Rajouri district under AIDP besides giving cheques under NFBS and other pension schemes.
The Ministers handed over wheel chairs, tricycles and hearing aids to the beneficiaries at a camp organised by J&K Rehabilitation Council in conjunction with Union Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment.
Aimed to create awareness about communal harmony, relief and rehabilitation of militancy hit victims; the camp was also supported by National Foundation for Communal Harmony, New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the purpose behind organising such camps is to facilitate the beneficiaries to get the benefits of different SWD schemes at their doorsteps.
Sakina appreciated State Rehabilitation Council for reaching out to the poor and under privileged sections of the society through a well-knit plan and a dedicated team of officers. She asked the officers to ensure that the injured persons in border shelling and mine blasts are also covered under these rehabilitation programmes.
Sakina elucidated the landmark achievements of the Government especially in the SWD, saying that the Chief Minister is himself monitoring the overall functioning of the department and is keen to ensure that no one is deprived of his share irrespective of caste or creed.
She said that Government also started e-tendering in nutrition distribution so that a healthy and hygienic diet is provided to the children being nurtured in Anganwari Centres.
The Minister also highlighted other reformative steps initiated by the Government to empower the people especially those belonging to rural and hilly pockets of the state saying that introduction of revolutionary measures like PSG Act, RTI, Accountability Commission, holding of Panchayat elections after a gap of over three decades speaks about the sincerity of the Government in keeping its promise of ensuring good governance.
Meanwhile, Shabir Khan also interacted with the beneficiaries and enquired about their demands and problems as well.
Director Social Welfare, Jammu M.H. Bhatti, elaborated upon the departmental schemes while Director Tribal Affairs, Ali Raza spoke about programmes of his department.
Executive Director, Rehabilitation Council, Hafiza Muzzaffar, highlighted schemes of the Council.
Former MP, Mirza Abdul Rashid, Secretaries of different boards also spoke on the occasion.