Patna: The government of Bihar has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening welfare delivery for vulnerable and marginalized communities. During a high-level review meeting of the Social Welfare Department, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed officials to ensure that social security pension amounts are credited to beneficiaries’ accounts by the 10th of every month without delay.
The review meeting was held at the “Sankalp” hall located at the Chief Minister’s official residence, where senior officials presented updates on ongoing welfare programs.
Strict Deadline Set for Monthly Pension Payments
During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that pension distribution under social security schemes must be strictly time-bound. He instructed the Additional Chief Secretary H.R. Srinivas to put in place a robust mechanism ensuring that payments reach beneficiaries by the 10th of every month under all circumstances.
He made it clear that any delay in pension disbursement would not be tolerated, highlighting the importance of financial support for elderly, disabled, and other eligible vulnerable groups who depend on these schemes.
Strengthening Anganwadi Services Through Technology
A major focus of the review was improving the functioning of Anganwadi centers. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for stronger monitoring using technology to ensure effective service delivery.
He instructed officials to ensure 100% attendance of both Anganwadi workers and children at the centers. He also said that better-managed Anganwadi centers directly contribute to improved child development outcomes.
According to him, reducing cases of stunting and wasting among children remains one of the government’s top priorities.
Expansion of Welfare Coverage and Scheme Implementation
The government also discussed expanding the reach of key welfare programs, including the Parvarish Scheme and other social security initiatives. The objective is to ensure that a larger number of eligible beneficiaries are brought under the ambit of government support.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the filling of vacant posts in the Social Welfare Department to improve administrative efficiency and service delivery.
CSR Support for Better Anganwadi Infrastructure
To improve infrastructure and operational quality of Anganwadi centers, the government plans to explore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships. The aim is to mobilize additional resources from private organizations to strengthen child nutrition and early education services.
Officials were asked to identify viable CSR models that could support the upgrading and maintenance of Anganwadi facilities across the state.
Focus on Transparency and Time-Bound Monitoring
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that all welfare schemes must be implemented with transparency, efficiency, and strict monitoring. He instructed departmental officials to ensure that beneficiaries receive services on time and without administrative hurdles.
He also emphasized that regular monitoring and accountability mechanisms should be strengthened to improve outcomes across all welfare programs.
Departmental Presentation and Officials Present
Earlier in the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary H.R. Srinivas presented a detailed update on departmental schemes and ongoing initiatives. The presentation covered activities under:
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
- Social Security Directorate
- Social Welfare Directorate
- Women and Child Development Corporation Bihar
The meeting was also attended by Social Welfare Minister Shweta Gupta along with senior government officials.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare Delivery
The review concluded with a renewed commitment from the state government to ensure timely delivery of pensions, improved child welfare services, and expansion of social protection schemes. The administration emphasized that strengthening grassroots-level service delivery remains a key governance priority.
