Minister Sakeena Itoo Reviews Functioning of Srinagar and Jammu CRCs
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today stressed the need to simplify procedures and adopt people-friendly measures to benefit Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a review meeting on the performance and functioning of the Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) Srinagar and Jammu at the Civil Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez; Directors of Social Welfare Kashmir and Jammu; Directors of CRC Srinagar and Jammu; Executive Director, State Rehabilitation Council J&K; Chairman & Managing Director, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO); District Social Welfare Officers; and other concerned officers. Outstation officers joined virtually.
Emphasizing ease of access, the Minister directed departments to streamline the issuance of disability certificates and the provision of assistive devices, ensuring maximum beneficiaries can avail themselves of CRC schemes. She also urged CRC authorities to organize awareness camps beyond district headquarters, reaching remote and far-flung areas.
Highlighting quality assurance, Minister Itoo instructed CRC and ALIMCO to conduct rigorous checks of all assistive equipment before distribution. She also addressed infrastructural challenges, particularly difficulties faced by PwDs in accessing diagnostic centers on upper floors, and called on the Social Welfare Department to find solutions for those unable to obtain or update Aadhaar cards to ensure they do not miss pensions and other welfare benefits.
On empowerment, the Minister advocated extending loan facilities to PwDs to promote self-reliance and economic independence. “Government has to do more in this sector. The people need us, and it is our responsibility to reach their doorsteps with support, care, and dignity,” she said.
Earlier, representatives from CRC Srinagar, Jammu, and ALIMCO presented detailed reports on their functioning and achievements.
