Khowai, July 28 – Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Monday inaugurated a one-day public awareness seminar at Khowai Town Hall aimed at educating citizens about various social welfare schemes offered by the central and state governments.
The event was attended by MLA Pinaki Das Choudhury, Khowai Municipal Council Chairman Debashish Nath Sharma, Teliamura Municipal Council Chairman Rupak Sarkar, District Magistrate Rajat Pant and other dignitaries.
In his address, Minister Debbarma expressed disappointment over the low turnout and clarified that the seminar was non-political, designed purely to inform citizens about welfare benefits. He called upon departmental officers to take responsibility for effective dissemination of information and to identify shortcomings in outreach strategies.
“As public representatives, we can only convey messages, but it is the responsibility of officers and local leaders to ensure that people know how and where to apply for these benefits,” Debbarma said. He stressed the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns at both panchayat and urban body levels so that citizens can access their entitlements without confusion.
Highlighting the information gap, the minister noted that many citizens remain unaware of basic procedures for availing welfare schemes.
During the seminar, the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education released a handbook containing details of 34 welfare schemes. Minister Debbarma urged all leaders and officials to study the handbook and use it as a reference while guiding citizens.
MLA Pinaki Das Choudhury, in his speech, emphasized the need for stronger public engagement to ensure the benefits of welfare schemes reach all eligible individuals.
Director Tapan Kumar Das informed that around 4.08 lakh beneficiaries are currently availing support under these schemes, with funding jointly contributed by the central and state governments.
The seminar concluded with a pledge to enhance public awareness initiatives.
