The Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Advisory Committee, hosted the ‘Aapki Yojana-Aapke Dwar’ programme at Tagore Theatre, Sector-18. The initiative is designed to ensure the effective outreach and doorstep delivery of government welfare schemes to citizens.
Leadership Insights
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Shri Gulab Chand Kataria (Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh): Attending as the Chief Guest, he emphasized that a democracy’s true strength lies in uplifting its most vulnerable. He highlighted schemes targeting women’s empowerment, child protection, senior citizen security, and support for divyangjans (persons with disabilities) to promote dignity and self-reliance, aligning with the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
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Shri Satya Pal Jain (Chairperson, Social Welfare Standing Committee): Serving as the Guest of Honour, he outlined key upcoming and ongoing initiatives, including ₹31,000 assistance under the Shagun Scheme, progress on Majdoor Bhawan, evening OPDs at GMSH-16, proposed pension enhancements, and a new Senior Citizen Home in Sector-49.
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Shri Davesh Moudgil (Former Mayor): Stressed the importance of ensuring these benefits reach the most marginalized individuals—the “man standing last in the row.”
Demographics & Institutional Reach
The Department caters to a massive segment of Chandigarh’s 10.5 lakh population, focusing on improved accessibility for:
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4.7 lakh women
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1.17 lakh children
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72,000+ senior citizens
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15,000 persons with disabilities
Key Infrastructure & Initiatives:
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450 Anganwadi Centres and Crèches
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14 Child Care Institutions
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Facilities including One Stop Centre-Shakti Sadan, working women hostels, and PRAYAAS
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Digital Library “NETRA” and POSHAN Amrit Van
Financial Highlights (FY 2025-26)
The Department reported high budget utilization and successful program implementation for the current financial year:
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Funds Utilized: Approximately ₹69 crore out of the allocated ₹72.47 crore.
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High-Performing Programs: Mission Vatsalya and Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 drove infrastructure upgrades, childcare expansion, and direct beneficiary support.
The event, which featured a documentary on departmental initiatives, was also attended by Ms. Anuradha M.S. Chagti (Secretary) and Ms. Palika Arora (Director, Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development).
