Srinagar, Oct 12 (KNS): The Board of Directors of the Jammu and Kashmir Women's Development Corporation (JKWDC) on Monday approved the budget estimates for 2026-27 and directed the corporation to expedite recovery of outstanding loans, particularly long-pending dues.

The decisions were taken at the 31st meeting of the Board, chaired by Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Itoo at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Social Welfare, Dr Doifode Sagar Dattatray, JKWDC Managing Director Purnima Mittal, representatives of the Planning and Finance departments and representatives of apex corporations from New Delhi.

Addressing the meeting, Itoo called for greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in the functioning of the corporation to ensure that financial assistance, self-employment opportunities and other welfare benefits reach eligible women in a timely manner.

She stressed the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms, streamline procedures and improve coordination among stakeholders to facilitate easier access to financial assistance and entrepreneurship-related support.

"Welfare interventions should translate into tangible improvements in the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries, particularly through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance," the minister said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Itoo directed the corporation to maintain regular engagement with beneficiaries and community representatives, identify emerging requirements and address genuine grievances within the prescribed framework.

During the meeting, the Board directed the corporation to intensify recovery efforts and adopt all permissible measures to ensure effective follow-up and timely realisation of outstanding loans, particularly those pending for extended periods.

The minister also sought details regarding the establishment of an online system for loan recovery and disbursement under various schemes.

The Board approved the budget estimates for 2026-27, covering the corporation's revenue and capital requirements and providing for the implementation of its development and welfare programmes.

It also approved the financial statements for 2024-25, which will be forwarded for audit.

The Board deliberated on several administrative, financial and policy matters concerning the corporation and took decisions aimed at strengthening its functioning.

Itoo appreciated the corporation's efforts and directed officials to ensure timely implementation of the Board's decisions.

The meeting also emphasised financial discipline, improved loan recovery, effective implementation of approved programmes and timely delivery of benefits to eligible women entrepreneurs. (KNS)