The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, reviewed the implementation and progress of welfare-oriented schemes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during his two-day visit to the Union Territory on February 19 and 20. The visit focused on assessing how flagship programmes of the Ministry were being executed on the ground and identifying areas requiring administrative attention.
During his visit, the Minister called on D K Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, at Lok Niwas in Sri Vijaya Puram. The meeting formed part of the Minister’s official engagements aimed at strengthening coordination between the Union Government and the island administration, particularly in the delivery of social justice and empowerment schemes.
The interaction at Lok Niwas was followed by a review meeting with senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration at the Secretariat on February 19. The meeting was attended by top bureaucrats responsible for implementing welfare schemes linked to social justice, empowerment of marginalized sections, and social inclusion. The review covered the status of schemes being implemented under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, with emphasis on outreach, beneficiary coverage, and administrative efficiency.
Officials briefed the Minister on the progress achieved so far, challenges faced due to geographical constraints of the islands, and measures taken to ensure last-mile delivery. The discussion also touched upon coordination between departments to improve access to welfare benefits for vulnerable sections, including scheduled communities, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker groups.
The visit assumed significance as welfare delivery in island territories often involves logistical hurdles, scattered populations, and limited connectivity. Senior officers highlighted the steps taken by the administration to adapt central schemes to local conditions, ensuring that benefits reach intended beneficiaries despite these challenges. The Minister reviewed these efforts and took note of the administrative mechanisms in place.
Apart from the review of schemes, the visit was also seen as an opportunity for the Ministry to understand region-specific needs. Officers outlined demographic and social indicators unique to the islands, pointing out the need for tailored approaches in implementing national welfare programmes. The review meeting provided a platform for discussions on improving monitoring systems and strengthening institutional frameworks to support inclusive development.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration reiterated its commitment to effective implementation of welfare schemes and informed the Minister about ongoing initiatives aligned with the objectives of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Emphasis was placed on ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely delivery of benefits.
The Minister’s two-day visit concluded with the administration expressing confidence that continued engagement with the Union Ministry would help address gaps and enhance the impact of welfare initiatives across the islands. The review exercise was positioned as part of ongoing efforts to align local implementation with national priorities in social justice and empowerment.
