Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a review meeting of the Social and Tribal Welfare Department on June 25 to assess the progress of various welfare schemes and development programmes being implemented across the region.

The meeting focused on improving the delivery of social welfare services and ensuring effective implementation of initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society.

During the meeting, Director of the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Zahida Bano, delivered a detailed presentation on the department’s organisational structure, functioning and ongoing programmes. She highlighted the status of various centrally sponsored and UT-level schemes being implemented under different ministries for the welfare of women, children, tribal communities, senior citizens and other marginalised groups in Ladakh.

The review covered key missions and welfare initiatives, including Mission Poshan, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya. Officials discussed measures to enhance nutritional support for women and children, strengthen women’s safety and empowerment programmes, and improve care, protection and rehabilitation services for children in need.

The progress of scholarship and educational support schemes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) was also reviewed, with emphasis on expanding educational opportunities for tribal students.

The meeting further discussed rehabilitation and inclusion programmes being implemented under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), focusing on improving outreach and support systems for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and other disadvantaged groups.
Chief Secretary Kundra reviewed the physical and financial progress of works being carried out under the SDP and discussed the department’s future roadmap. He stressed the importance of timely execution of projects, effective monitoring mechanisms and optimal utilisation of allocated funds.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Nidhi Malik; Director, Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Zahida Bano; Programme Officer, ICDS, Rigzin Spalgon; and other concerned officials. Officers posted outside Ladakh also participated in the meeting virtually.