For better functioning of the Social Welfare Department, the district social welfare officials (DSWOs) — appointed in all 11 districts — have been empowered by the Delhi government.
In 2014, the AAP government had appointed DSWOs to help in the effective implementation of the department’s schemes. However, the DSWOs — except for doing the ground work — didn’t have any powers.
More authority
The DSWOs will now be recognised as estate officials. The can now keep the department’s properties free from encroachment by directly contact the land-owning agencies. They will now also be supervisory officers in all homes and institutions run by the department.
For each such institute, an admission committee has been formed that will comprise a superintendent and a DSWO.
The panel will ensure that only the deserving get priority and are admitted.
“Many of our schemes weren’t being implemented effectively. Now, DSWOs will be the eyes and ears of the department and they will carry out the work at ground level,” said a Delhi government official.
These officials will also give weekly/monthly reports to the department chief.
