Srinagar, Feb 15(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference today criticized the J&K Administration for its failure to clear the arrears of lakhs of individuals from vulnerable sections, including the elderly, widows/divorcees and persons with disabilities (PwDs), under the Integrated Social Security Scheme of the Social Welfare Department.

In an official statement issued here, Party Spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir highlighted the plight of those reliant on these allowances, emphasizing that subjecting them to a waitlist undermines the very fundamental principles of social welfare and turns a blind eye to their daily struggles.

The statement highlighted the considerable progress achieved by the Social Welfare Department under the leadership of PC President Mr. Sajad Lone, and called on the administration to ensure that welfare payments are made with respect and dignity.

"During the tenure Mr. Sajad Lone as the Minister of the Social Welfare Department, sweeping reforms had taken place in streamlining the process of welfare payments. The allowance was increased from a mere Rs 200 to Rs 1000, structural reforms were put in place to facilitate dignified enrollment of beneficiaries and the notion of a waitlist was nonexistent. He said it on the floor of the house and we reiterate that welfare payments are not an act of charity by the government. It is the right of the citizens of India”, the statement added.

Mir said that despite these transformative initiatives, it is disheartening to witness the continued marginalization of the underprivileged class through prolonged waitlists and impervious attitude of the administration.

“It's crucial for the administration to understand that in a welfare state, those in need of support should not face the indignity of waiting years for assistance. When arrears accumulate over such long periods, it undermines the dignity of the beneficiaries. There's no reason for this process to lack dignity. In the realm of social welfare, at the very least, can we not separate ourselves from the indignity that appears prevalent in many other departments?”, he added.(KNS).