Punjab Govt Strengthens Welfare for Women and Children

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today reaffirmed the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government towards the holistic welfare of all sections of society, with special emphasis on the upliftment of women, children, and senior citizens. She stated that the true progress of any society is determined by the security, health, and education of its marginalized, elderly, and women populations.

Presiding over a detailed review meeting with departmental officials at Kisan Bhawan here today, Dr. Baljit Kaur issued strict instructions to ensure that the benefits of various welfare schemes being run by the Punjab Government reach the deserving beneficiaries in a transparent and timely manner.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the functioning of Anganwadi Centres, the status of vacancies for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, initiatives under Early Childhood Care and Education, the ongoing Child Begging Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign under Mission Vatsalya, the progress of the Poshan Tracker application, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao scheme. She also discussed the construction of Anganwadi Centre buildings and toilets under MGNREGA and directed the official to complete the work of remaining Anganwadi centres and toilets as soon as possible.

Dr. Baljit Kaur directed that daily monitoring of Anganwadi Centres should be the personal responsibility of all district officers. She emphasized that immediate action must be taken against those centres that are not functioning regularly. She also instructed for the expeditious completion of pending work related to the Poshan Tracker app and the upgradation of Anganwadi Centres to be fast-tracked without delay.

The Minister laid special emphasis on personally leading the state’s Child Begging Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign being run under Mission Vatsalya. She also directed for a comprehensive review of the functioning of Specialized Adoption Agencies and sought detailed information on all adoptions that have taken place in the state during the past three years.

Further, Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed the department’s Director to felicitate officers who are performing exceptionally well in the discharge of their duties by awarding them appreciation certificates, to encourage a culture of commitment and healthy competition. She categorically stated that disciplinary action must be initiated against district officials whose performance is found to be unsatisfactory, ensuring strict implementation of government schemes without any negligence.

The Minister asserted that the Punjab Government is fully committed to the empowerment of women, care for senior citizens, and development of children. She added that these continuous efforts will play a significant role in realizing the dream of a vibrant and progressive ‘Rangla Punjab.’

The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary of the Department Raji P. Shrivastava, Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, Special Secretary Keshav Hingonia, Additional Secretary Vimmi Bhullar, Joint Secretary Anand Sagar Sharma, and other senior officials.