Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale today said that the Government has undertaken several initiatives for the socio-economic empowerment of the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of the society. He made these remarks during a meeting with the officers of the Social Welfare Department at Hari Niwas Guest House in Srinagar today.

The Minister said that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been implementing various schemes for the social, educational and economic development of the target groups.

Mr Athawale said that the government has a mission that will ensure a paradigm shift in the socio-economic condition of the people belonging to the weaker sections of the society. He said that the Prime Minister wants his Ministers to assess the on-ground situation and take feedback from the public to effect positive changes in the lives of marginalised groups.

The Minister said that people should be made aware of the various central government schemes so that deserving people take benefits and justice is ensured to the last man standing. He directed the officers to implement Central schemes at the field level more effectively in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Athawale enquired about the population and the reservation benefits of the SC/ST/OBC people in Jammu and Kashmir and directed the concerned officers to take steps accordingly so that benefits percolate to the lower strata of the society.

Later, the Minister also held interaction with the media on diverse topics and answered their queries.