Jammu: The J&K State Women Development Corporation Wednesday crossed Rs 80 crore loan disbursements with Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo giving away cheques worth Rs 86 lakh to loanees during a awareness camp cum loan mela held at Kalyanpora, Zhiri, here, according to an official statement.
This initiative of the Corporation has enabled more than 13000 beneficiaries establish their own income generating units, besides creating employment for 40,000 women indirectly.
Addressing a women gathering, the minister said that during the past over 5 years the government has worked under a well knit strategy to ensure that the benefit of all the state and centrally sponsored schemes reach to every segment of the society irrespective of any political, social or cultural consideration.
“I am grateful to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for initiating several innovative programs for women empowerment which has given a much needed fillip to their socio-economic profile   in the state,” she added.
“Today’s woman has to recognize and utilize her strength and energy for the good of her community besides contributing towards progress and prosperity of the society,” the minister opined.
Appreciating the role of Corporation towards women emancipation, the Minister dwelt in detail about the programs of WDC for people in general and women in particular. She emphasized the need of extending optimum benefit of loan schemes of the corporation to the deserving people. She asked the corporation to make efforts for timely loan recovery, which is an essential component in effective implementation of such programs.
Sakina expressed hope that the Corporation would continue its noble services towards the cause of under-privileged segments of the society with same zeal and enthusiasm.
Sakina reaffirmed government’s resolve of ensuring a transparent, accountable and responsive dispensation at doorsteps of the people and sought public cooperation in this regards.
The Minister asked the people to bring in the notice of the administration any case of unnecessary delay or other malpractice on part of government officials so that they may not have to suffer in future. The erring officials would be dealt strictly, she warned.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA, Sukhnandan Choudhary, demanded deployment of block level development officers of the Corporation for coverage of maximum beneficiaries. He also stressed on the need of holding regular interaction between the PRIs and Corporation for raising awareness about the schemes of WDC.
Managing Director, JKWDC, Nahida Soz, spelled out achievements of the Corporation adding that a number of vocational training courses have been sanctioned for skill development of women in different trades. Besides, WDC has supplied 2.50 lakh jute parshad bags worth Rs 40 lakh to SMVDSB benefitting a large chunk of beneficiaries.
MLA, Indu Pawar, Director Empowerment Mission and Rehabilitation Council, Hafiza Muzaffar, Director SWD, M.S.Bhatti and Director, Mayur Public School, Kalyanpora, Nasreen Khan also spoke on the occasion.
Sarpanches, Panches and officers of SWD and WDC were also present on the occasion.

Reader correspondent