Union Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Sudhansh Pant, today reviewed the implementation of various welfare schemes of the Ministry in Assam, covering Drug Demand Reduction, Scheduled Caste Development, Senior Citizen Welfare, Sanitation Workers’ Safety And The Rehabilitation Of Vulnerable Groups.
The review meeting held at State Capital Guwahati, assessed the progress of key initiatives and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to ensure that welfare interventions translate into tangible benefits for eligible beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by Shri Ajay Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Political Department, Government of Assam; Shri Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and senior officers of the State Government.
During the review, Shri Pant emphasised the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to the effective implementation of social welfare programmes. He stressed that the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment should play an effective nodal role in bringing together the concerned departments and implementing agencies.
Shri Pant highlighted the importance of convergence under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) and the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE). He appreciated the progress made by Assam and underscored the need for sustained efforts to address implementation gaps.
Strengthening Drug Demand Reduction and Rehabilitation
The Secretary was apprised that under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, awareness and outreach activities have covered all districts of Assam, reaching 27.71 lakh people through 6,575 activities across 10,614 educational institutions. The State has registered 13,712 Nasha Mukti Mitra volunteers and recorded 2,24,783 e-pledges, reflecting the participation of educational institutions, volunteers and communities in efforts to prevent substance abuse.
The State Officials informed the meeting that Assam has 16 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts and six State Government-funded de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, in addition to other treatment and outreach facilities. These facilities support the broader efforts towards awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of persons affected by substance use.
Promoting Integrated Development and Livelihood Opportunities
The State Officials further informed that under PM-AJAY, 721 Scheduled Caste villages have been taken up for integrated development. The livelihood component has approved 5,269 beneficiaries, including women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and individual Scheduled Caste women, with an overall financial involvement of ₹26.34 crore. The scheme also envisages the construction of 28 mini stadiums in Scheduled Caste-dominated areas, supporting community infrastructure and opportunities for sports and physical activities.
The review emphasised the importance of effective implementation and convergence to ensure that development interventions create sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve access to essential facilities for Scheduled Caste communities.
Advancing Safety and Dignity of Sanitation Workers
The review also examined the implementation of NAMASTE, which seeks to promote the safety, dignity and well-being of sanitation workers through improved occupational practices and mechanisation. In Assam, 483 sewer and septic tank workers and 6,365 waste pickers have been profiled across 96 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The programme focuses on occupational safety, personal protective equipment, health coverage and mechanised sanitation practices. These interventions aim to improve working conditions, reduce occupational risks and strengthen the adoption of safer sanitation practices.
Strengthening Senior Citizen Welfare and Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Groups
The meeting further reviewed Senior Citizen Welfare under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), measures for the protection of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and the rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging under the SMILE scheme.
It was informed that under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, 10,715 senior citizens in Assam have been assisted, with 48,756 assistive devices distributed during the financial year 2026–27 up to 27 October 2026. The initiative facilitates access to assistive devices for senior citizens facing age-related disabilities and mobility challenges, supporting their independence and quality of life.
Strengthening Inter-departmental Coordination and Effective Implementation
Shri Pant appreciated the efforts of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the State Government team in implementing the Ministry’s welfare initiatives. He emphasised the need for sustained inter-departmental coordination, effective outreach to eligible beneficiaries and timely resolution of implementation bottlenecks.
The Secretary also highlighted the importance of systematically documenting and publicising success stories to showcase the impact of welfare schemes and create greater awareness among eligible beneficiaries. The review underscored the need for continued collaboration between the Central and State Governments to strengthen implementation mechanisms and ensure that the intended benefits of social welfare programmes reach people across Assam.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Ministry and the State Government reaffirmed their commitment to promoting social justice, inclusion and improved quality of life for Scheduled Castes, senior citizens, sanitation workers and other vulnerable sections of society.