Administrative Secretary Social & Tribal Affairs reviews Progress of Welfare Schemes and Developmental Projects in Ladakh.

Administrative Secretary Social & Tribal Affairs reviews Progress of Welfare Schemes and Developmental Projects in Ladakh.
Leh, June 05, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Ms. Nidhi Malik, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the physical and financial progress of various welfare schemes, centrally sponsored programmes, and developmental projects being implemented across the Union Territory.
At the outset, Director, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, Ms. Zahida Bano, presented an overview of the department’s organizational structure, manpower position, administrative framework, and the status of schemes being implemented under the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, Tribal Affairs, Minority Affairs, and Rural Development.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of key schemes including Mission Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi, Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, Grant-in-Aid to NGOs, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), scholarship schemes, Rajya Lieutenant Governor’s Student Support Scheme, Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Officials informed that over 13,900 beneficiaries are being covered under supplementary nutrition programmes through ICDS projects in Leh and Kargil districts. Out of 1,173 sanctioned Anganwadi Centres, 1,172 are functional, serving nearly 18,168 beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The functioning of ICDS projects, Saksham Anganwadis, and Anganwadi Centres co-located with schools was also reviewed.
The Administrative Secretary reviewed the status of Anganwadi infrastructure and service delivery, seeking details regarding government-owned and rented facilities, infrastructure requirements, and measures being undertaken to improve services in remote areas.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of Mission Vatsalya, under which Government-run and NGO-managed Child Care Institutions are providing care, protection, rehabilitation, and support services to vulnerable children across the Union Territory.
Under Mission Shakti, the functioning of One Stop Centres, Women Helplines, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (PALNA), and women empowerment initiatives was examined. Ms. Malik emphasized strengthening outreach efforts to ensure greater accessibility of services to eligible beneficiaries.
Programmes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, including DAJGUA, grants under Article 275(1), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs), scholarship schemes, and other tribal welfare initiatives were also reviewed. The status of approved and proposed projects under DAJGUA was discussed in detail.
Special focus was laid on social security schemes, including old age, widow, and disability pension schemes, the National Family Benefit Scheme, and ISSS. The Administrative Secretary reviewed beneficiary coverage and stressed timely disbursement of benefits.
A detailed review was conducted on the physical and financial progress of works under the State Development Programme (SDP). The status of ongoing projects, liabilities, sanctioned works, and future proposals was discussed, with directions issued for timely execution and improved planning.
During the deliberations, Ms. Malik reviewed the departmental presence in the newly created districts and sought information regarding staffing, infrastructure, vacancies, and service delivery mechanisms. She emphasized strengthening institutional capacity to ensure effective implementation of welfare programmes.
The Administrative Secretary also reviewed challenges faced by the department, including infrastructure gaps in remote areas, age-related concerns of Anganwadi workers, land availability issues, and constraints in implementing certain centrally sponsored schemes. She directed officials to study best practices from other States and Union Territories and explore innovative approaches suitable for Ladakh.
Stressing the importance of evidence-based planning, Ms. Malik instructed the department to establish clear implementation timelines, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and ensure optimal utilization of resources. She further emphasized regular field monitoring, enhanced inter-departmental coordination, and timely completion of developmental projects.
Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to inclusive development and social welfare, she directed all officers to ensure that welfare schemes effectively reach women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, tribal communities, and other vulnerable sections of society.
The meeting was attended by Director, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, District Programme Officers of Leh and Kargil, Programme Managers, and officers from various wings of the department. Officials from Kargil participated through virtual mode.
Following the review meeting, Ms. Nidhi Malik visited the Old Age Home at Saboo Thang, a facility established by the Social & Tribal Welfare Department for the care and well-being of senior citizens. She interacted with the residents and enquired about their living conditions, healthcare facilities, recreational activities, and overall welfare.
During the visit, she inspected the institution’s infrastructure, including accommodation facilities, dining and kitchen arrangements, healthcare support systems, sanitation measures, and other essential amenities. She appreciated the efforts being made to provide a safe, secure, and dignified environment for the elderly residents.
The Administrative Secretary directed the concerned officials to maintain high standards of care, strengthen service delivery, and continue efforts to enhance the quality of life of the residents. She reiterated the Administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, dignity, and well-being of senior citizens across the Union Territory.