Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today emphasized on the need to simplify procedures and adopt people-friendly measures for the benefit of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a review meeting to review performance and functioning of Composite Regional Centre (CRC) Srinagar/Jammu at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department, Sarmad Hafeez; Directors of Social Welfare Kashmir and Jammu, Director CRC Srinagar/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. The outstation officers attended the meeting through virtual mode.
Underscoring the importance of ease in access, the Minister directed the concerned departments to streamline the process of issuing disability certificates and providing assistive devices so that the maximum number of beneficiaries can avail the schemes being implemented through CRC.
She further directed CRC authorities to organize awareness camps beyond district headquarters, ensuring that people in remote areas amd far-flung are made aware of the facilities and services available.
Stressing on the importance of quality assurance, Minister Sakeena instructed CRC and ALIMCO to conduct rigorous quality checks of all assistive equipments before distribution to beneficiaries.
The Minister also highlighted the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing diagnostic centres operating from upper floors, urging departments to address these infrastructural barriers. She called upon the Social Welfare department to explore ways to support those unable to obtain or update their Aadhaar cards, so that they are not deprived of pensions and other welfare benefits.
On the issue of empowerment, the Minister advocated for extending loan facilities to persons with disabilities to help them become self-reliant and economically independent.
“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 of CRC Srinagar & Jammu and ALIMCO gave detailed presentations on their functioning and achievements so far.
