SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level review meeting with Deputy Commissioners and senior officials to evaluate the progress and impact of major financial inclusion and social security schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Managing Director, J&K Bank; Director Generals of Resources, Planning, and Budget; along with all Deputy Commissioners, who joined via video conferencing.
During the session, the Chief Secretary reviewed key flagship initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Schemes, Ladli Beti, Marriage Assistance, Old Age Pension, Widow/Divorce Pension, and Disability Pension schemes.
He highlighted the importance of assessing the ground-level impact of these programs and directed concerned departments and J&K Bank to accelerate their implementation across all districts. He also called for a detailed district-wise study of bank accounts to measure financial penetration and ensure all eligible beneficiaries are covered under social security schemes.
The meeting reviewed notable achievements under financial inclusion and welfare initiatives. Under PMJDY, nearly 1.9 lakh new accounts were opened since March 2025, bringing the total to 23.33 lakh active accounts. Efforts were also made to eliminate duplicate accounts and convert zero-balance accounts into active savings accounts.
PMSBY registrations have increased by 180% over the past five years, covering 24.64 lakh beneficiaries, while PMJJBY enrollments rose by 155%, totaling around 10 lakh insured individuals. APY subscriptions showed a sharp 219% growth, reaching 2.71 lakh subscribers eligible for pensions ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month after age 60.
Under the BOCW Welfare Schemes, registered workers increased by 9%, with active workers now constituting 2.6% of the Union Territory’s population (Census 2011).
Regarding social welfare schemes delivered through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), benefits currently reach 7.26 lakh senior citizens under Old Age Pension, 1.59 lakh persons with disabilities, around 1 lakh widows/divorcees, 1.45 lakh beneficiaries under Marriage Assistance, and 1.90 lakh girls under the Ladli Beti scheme.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for sustained efforts by all stakeholders to expand coverage, raise awareness, and ensure timely delivery of benefits to every deserving citizen.
