Chief Secretary calls for mission-mode push to deepen financial inclusion in J&K

Srinagar, July 30: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level review meeting on the status of financial inclusion and beneficiary-oriented schemes across Jammu and Kashmir, urging departments to work in a mission mode to ensure no eligible citizen is left behind.

Expressing concern over low enrolment figures in several social security schemes, Dulloo stressed that departments must intensify efforts to scale up coverage, reach out to the last mile, and ensure that benefits are delivered promptly and efficiently.

He said that timely extension of benefits is key to public trust and will encourage greater participation from citizens who may currently be unaware or hesitant.

The Chief Secretary underlined the need to integrate the Registrar of Births and Deaths with the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) system, saying this would speed up benefit accruals, including insurance payouts and pension settlements. Such integration, he said, would reduce delays and ensure transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

He also called for a widespread and targeted outreach campaign, directing all departments to intensify efforts to inform the public about the schemes available to them. Increased awareness, he noted, is critical for achieving universal financial inclusion and empowering the population, particularly in remote and underrepresented areas.

The meeting also reviewed the progress made under key financial inclusion initiatives. It was noted that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has led to the opening of 21.45 lakh accounts in J&K, achieving 46.75 percent of the current year’s target. Among the districts, Kathua and Bandipora are leading in new enrolments. Samba has the highest penetration of PMJDY accounts relative to the population.

Regarding the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, enrolment has risen sharply by 168 percent in the past five years, with over 23.5 lakh people now covered under the accident insurance scheme. As of March 2025, Rs 18.39 crore has been disbursed under 930 settled claims, with Jammu district leading in cumulative enrolment. J&K Bank was noted for having the highest claim settlement ratio against collected premiums.

In the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which provides life insurance, the UT has achieved nearly 95 percent of its annual enrolment target, with over 9.6 lakh people enrolled since inception. Kishtwar and Kupwara districts have significantly exceeded their targets. Over Rs 45 crore has been disbursed through nearly 2,300 settled claims.

The Atal Pension Yojana, which assures monthly pensions to workers in the unorganised sector, has also seen growth, with enrolment reaching 2.48 lakh as of March 2025. The scheme has seen a 148 percent rise in the past five years. Samba and Jammu districts are leading in terms of enrolment penetration.

The Chief Secretary said these numbers reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the social security net and ensuring equitable financial access for all. He urged departments to view the mission not just as a bureaucratic task but as a shared responsibility to improve lives across the Union Territory.