Hassan: Women and Child Development Minister Umashree has said that health plays an important role in strengthening the social and financial status of the middle class people.

Presiding over the divisional-level progress review meeting here on Tuesday, Umashree directed the department officials on the implementation of various government schemes, especially those related to healthcare, that have been introduced for the benefit of people.

The department has approved girls rehabilitation centres at all districts. But the negligence of the authorities concerned has delayed the works, Umashree said. The minister explained that the ‘Value Mart’ (super markets) that were opened for the empowerment of women in Mysuru has evoked good response and most of the Stree Shakti Sanghas of the city have benefited from it.

She stressed on checking the quality of food products being distributed to anganwadi centres and directed the child welfare committees to work systematically. She pointed out that women gram sabhas are not being held properly in any districts and suggested holding of regular meetings.

The government schemes serve their purpose only if they reach the beneficiaries at the right time. Hence, it is important for the department officials to create awareness on the schemes and benefits, among the people. The police should provide protection to women and children subject to domestic violence and other atrocities.

Uma Mahadevan, Principal Secretary to Women and Child Development, Deep Cholan, Director, Govindaraj, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, ZP CEO R Venkatesh Kumar and Superintendent of Police Rahul Kumar were present.