Early Times Report
jammu, Sept 14: As the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday celebrated the Ladli Beti Diwas with much enthusiasm in the state, what it has forgotten to clarify was whether this much hyped scheme has really benefited any one in real sense.
As per the government reports, with an objective to empower women for a better future with financial security and to bring along a healthy change in mindset of the society for greater acceptance of girl children, Ladli Beti Diwas was celebrated in the state with zeal and with zest.
In many areas, the events also witnessed cultural programmes by local folk artists who creatively portrayed, through songs and skits, the changing times wherein the girls and boys both need to work towards a better future holding equal opportunity for both boys and girls.
However, on ground, the facts and figures of the state are giving least reason to us to celebrate the scheme.
The scheme was launched in the state on October 28, 2015. Under the scheme, it was stated at the time of its launch that the state government will contribute Rs 1,000 per month towards the birth of every girl child born after April 1, 2015 for the next 14 years. Upon reaching the age of 21, the girl child would receive a sum of Rs 6.5 lakh. The scheme is to be implemented on pilot basis in six districts of the State including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Anantnag, Budgam and Pulwama.
However, as per the reports, the cases related to it are only piling up and gathering dust at the government officers with least beneficiaries making it to the list.
As per the official data, there are as many as 5300 cases related to the scheme which have been kept in limbo without any reason and no approval has been accorded to these files till date. The cases are waiting for verification by the concerned Child Development Project Officers (CDPO) in the four districts of the valley where the scheme was launched on pilot basis.
Official documents reveal that an estimated amount of Rs 250 lakhs were allocated out of the state exchequer for the implementation of the scheme in all identified districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the scheme guidelines, upon reaching 21 years, the girl would receive a sum of Rs 6.5 lakh, transferred directly in her bank accounts. In Jammu, the scheme is implemented in three districts - Jammu, Kathua and Samba.
As per the reports, such is the dilatory mode of functioning in the concerned offices related to the scheme that the people have stooped applying for any financial grant under the programme. "The officers want us to move from pillar to post for one document or the other. They sometimes want us the income certificate and then object to its poor print. And finally, when all the documentation gets completed, applicants are asked to wait and no specific time frame is given about when the case would get approved by the concerned department. This is lethargic and we don't want any such assistance from the government," says an disheartened applicant from central Kashmir. |
