Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today chaired a meeting to review the performance and functioning of various government-funded NGOs operating in Jammu region.

Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department (SWD), Sheetal Nanda; Director Social Welfare Jammu, Rupesh Kumar; Director Finance SWD, other senior officers of SWD, DSWOs of concerned districts, representatives of NGOs like Red Cross Home, SoS Children’s Village of India, Balgrana Charitable Home for Destitute Children, Samaj Kalyan Kendra, Louise Braille Memorial Residential School, Ved Mandir, Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sanasthan, Hari Krishna Food Life Trust, Udhampur, Home for Aged & Infirm, Kathua and Care for You, Poonch attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the Minister took comprehensive assessment of the impact of these government-funded NGOs on ground and also discussed challenges faced by these NGOs while operating in their respective areas.

The meeting also deliberated on strategies to enhance collaboration between the government and NGOs to improve the welfare of marginalized sections of society, including old age persons, differently able children, destitute children as well as economically weaker sections and orphan children.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized on the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability and efficiency in the functioning of NGOs receiving government grants. She stressed on the need for strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure that funds are used appropriately and effectively to serve the deserving persons and children, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and welfare needs.

“Government-funded NGOs play a vital role in addressing the needs of destitute community and it is essential that they operate with maximal accountability. They must ensure proper use of funds and resources to maximize their impact in society”, Sakeena Itoo said. “Our aim is to empower these organizations with the hope of bringing positive change at ground level”, she added.

The Minister also stressed upon the representatives of NGOs as well as officers to focus on skilling of students admitted in the schools of these NGOs so that they become employable for the future. She also called upon them to create maximum awareness among people about the services and facilities being provided at these institutions so that the families don’t hesitate to admit their children in these schools.

Sakeena Itoo further directed the Commissioner Secretary to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of activities of these NGOs in order to ensure their compliance with government guidelines and regulations. She also asked the NGO representatives to submit monthly progress and activity reports of their respective organisations to Director.

The Minister also directed the Commissioner Secretary to nominate a full fledged Nodal Officer for grievance redressal of issues faced by these NGOs on regular basis.

During the meeting, the representatives of each NGO briefed the Minister about the functioning of their institutions as well as facilities and services being provided there.