Srinagar, Oct 11: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said the Centre was ready to consider proposals from the Jammu and Kashmir government concerning old-age homes and other support facilities, as he underlined the need to ensure that welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary and that officials facilitate their effective implementation.
Addressing a press conference here, the minister said that “no eligible beneficiary should be left behind” and called for greater awareness and accessibility so that people can avail themselves of the benefits they are entitled to.
Athawale called for the implementation of provisions for persons with disabilities, including reservation in education and government employment.
Referring to the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan, he stressed the need to improve accessibility in public buildings and facilities so that persons with disabilities can access services and public spaces independently.
“Accessibility is not a privilege—it is a right. Public spaces must be designed so that every citizen can use them with dignity,” he said.
The minister highlighted progress and achievements related to financial inclusion, self-employment, housing, healthcare, access to clean cooking fuel and support for vulnerable sections of society.
Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Athawale spoke about efforts to expand access to banking services, noting that financial inclusion is the first step towards economic empowerment.
The Union Minister highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans to eligible beneficiaries for small businesses and self-employment, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into enterprises.
The Minister also referred to:
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana — providing access to clean cooking fuel to women from poor households
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural and Urban) — ensuring housing for all
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana — offering healthcare coverage to vulnerable families
UJALA Yojana — promoting energy-efficient lighting
Athawale highlighted the importance of skill development, entrepreneurship and support for micro, small and medium enterprises in expanding livelihood opportunities.
“The future belongs to those who can create jobs, not just seek them. Programmes like Mudra and skill development initiatives are empowering a new generation of self-reliant Indians,” he said.
The minister reiterated the importance of ensuring that welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries and that concerned officials should facilitate their effective implementation.
“Schemes are only as good as their delivery. Officials must ensure that benefits reach the last person in the queue,” he said.
