Bhaderwah : A touching example of responsive governance was witnessed during a Grievance Redressal Camp held under the “Prashasan Gaon ki Our” campaign at Udrana-Bhaderwah, where prompt intervention by the Social Welfare Department brought much-needed relief to a distressed widow and her family.
During the camp, while awareness was being imparted about various welfare schemes, particularly the Marriage Assistance Scheme, an elderly woman brought to the notice of the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) Bhaderwah, the plight of a widow from the village who was suffering from mental distress due to financial hardships ahead of the marriage of her two daughters.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the TSWO visited the widow’s residence, as she was unable to attend the camp or visit the TSWO office owing to old age and bad health. The widow, aged above 65 years, informed that her husband Subhash Rathore, a farmer by profession, passed away a few years ago, leaving the family with no stable source of income forcing them to make ends meet by the widow pension provided by the Social Welfare Department and the meager earnings from tuitions given by her younger daughter, which together constitute the family’s only means of sustenance.
She further stated that her two daughters aged 29 and 26 years are engaged—one at Thathri and the other at Hanga- Bhaderwah. However, due to the financial constraints, she is finding it extremely difficult to meet the marriage expenses and is therefore compelled to delay the marriages.
After assessing the case, the TSWO assured the family of financial assistance of Rs 50,000 (Rupees Fifty Thousand) each for both daughters under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, as the family holds a BPL ration card. He also explained the documentation requirements, shared his contact details, and assured full departmental support in preparation and online submission of documents.
The assurance brought immense relief to the widow, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Social Welfare Department, stating that the support would enable her to solemnize her daughters’ marriages in the coming months.
The widow’s younger daughter Shiveti Rathore appreciated the proactive and compassionate role of the Social Welfare Department and lauded TSWO Shahnawaz Ahmad for his empathetic approach. She emphasized the need for greater awareness of welfare schemes among economically weaker sections, so that every deserving and downtrodden person may benefit.
The TSWO assured that with the support and able guidance of the District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah and District Social Welfare Officer, such initiatives would be further intensified to ensure that no eligible beneficiary remains deprived of government welfare schemes.
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