Ehsaan Yousf
Leh, June 9, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Social and Tribal Affairs Department, UT Ladakh, Ms. Nidhi Malik, chaired a high-level review meeting today to assess the implementation and progress of various welfare programmes and social development initiatives being undertaken by the Department across the Union Territory. The meeting focused on strengthening welfare delivery systems, reviewing preparations for the upcoming Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB) Round-II Training Programme, and examining the status of scholarship schemes implemented under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, including a workshop scheduled for June 22, 2026.
Officers of the Department presented a comprehensive overview of the status, achievements, challenges, and future priorities of welfare schemes being implemented for the benefit of vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. The review covered programmes under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Ministry of Rural Development.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of scholarship schemes under the Ministry of Minority Affairs through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). During the deliberations, it was noted that concerns had been raised by the Ministry regarding the presence of suspected ghost beneficiaries and discrepancies in scholarship claims reported from certain institutions across the country. In this regard, lists of flagged institutions and cases have been shared for verification.
To ensure transparency, accountability, and the integrity of scholarship disbursement mechanisms, Ms. Malik directed the Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs) and concerned Social and Tribal Affairs Department functionaries to undertake immediate and thorough verification of the institutions and beneficiaries flagged by the Ministry. She instructed that all cases be verified through proper documentation, field-level validation, and cross-checking of records to ascertain the genuineness of beneficiaries. Stressing the need for timely action and accuracy, she directed that detailed verification reports, supported by relevant documentary evidence, be submitted within three days for further examination and necessary action.
The Administrative Secretary also reviewed preparations for the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB) Round-II Training Programme and underscored the importance of continuous capacity building of Anganwadi workers to strengthen early childhood care and education, improve nutrition outcomes, and enhance foundational learning among children across the Union Territory.
During the discussions, officers highlighted the need for dedicated financial provisions to address urgent welfare requirements arising under exceptional circumstances. A recent case involving assistance provided to a child with disability from Kargil for specialized medical treatment was cited as an example of the Department’s critical role in extending timely support to vulnerable individuals and families.
The meeting underscored the importance of developing flexible and responsive support mechanisms to effectively address such cases in the future.
Taking note of the observations and suggestions placed before the meeting, Ms. Malik directed the Department to undertake a comparative analysis of welfare and tribal development models adopted by other States and Union Territories. She instructed officers to study policy frameworks, development strategies, Vision documents, and best practices implemented elsewhere, including major welfare reforms undertaken at the national level.
She observed that learning from successful models across the country would help strengthen Ladakh’s welfare ecosystem, identify existing gaps, introduce innovative interventions, and improve the overall quality and effectiveness of service delivery. She urged officers to adopt a forward-looking, evidence-based, and result-oriented approach while formulating future plans and programmes.
Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and equitable access to welfare services, Ms. Malik emphasized that every effort should be made to ensure that government schemes reach the most vulnerable sections of society in a timely and transparent manner and contribute meaningfully to their socio-economic well-being and empowerment.
The meeting was attended by the Director, Social and Tribal Affairs Department, District Programme Officers of Leh and Kargil, Programme Managers, and other senior officers and officials of the Department.
