Social Welfare Department
Introduction
A report is being presented on the schemes implemented by the Social Welfare Department of the Zilla Parishad for the welfare of the backward classes in rural areas. The economic condition of the backward classes living below the poverty line is often quite dire. It is the responsibility of the Social Welfare Department of the Zilla Parishad to ensure their upliftment by providing all necessary facilities and concessions. Accordingly, the department primarily emphasizes the education of backward class individuals, while also addressing other aspects through the implementation of the following key schemes:
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Educational development schemes
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Economic development schemes
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Personal development schemes through the 20% cess fund
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Other schemes related to the eradication of caste discrimination
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Dalit Vasti (Settlement) improvement schemes
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Welfare schemes for the differently-abled
These schemes are implemented through government grants. Every year, provisions are made for these schemes under non-plan, plan, and tribal sub-plan budgets. The allocated funds are generally used to provide grants to recognized institutions, offer personal financial assistance to beneficiaries, and facilitate the community development of the backward classes. Additionally, under the 20% cess fund of the Zilla Parishad, the Social Welfare Department spends according to the government’s guidelines for the welfare of the backward classes. Activities like anti-addiction awareness campaigns are also conducted through this department.
Working Procedure of the Department
The economic condition of the backward classes living below the poverty line is often extremely challenging. It is the responsibility of the Social Welfare Department of the Zilla Parishad to ensure their upliftment by providing all types of facilities and concessions. The department implements various schemes through government grants as outlined below.
Provisions for these schemes are received every year under non-plan, plan, and tribal sub-plan budgets. The allocated funds are generally utilized to provide grants to recognized institutions, offer personal benefits/financial assistance to beneficiaries, and to ensure the community development of the backward classes.
Additionally, under the Zilla Parishad’s 20% cess and the 3% cess for the welfare of the differently-abled, the Social Welfare Department utilizes funds for various welfare schemes for the backward classes and the differently-abled, in accordance with government guidelines. The department is also engaged in conducting awareness and outreach programs for addiction prevention.
Department’s Goal
Matters related to administration and establishment, as well as development schemes for various types of work.
Department Structure
The structure of the department is organized in a hierarchical and functional manner to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of welfare schemes. The key components of the department structure are as follows:
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District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO):
The head of the department at the district level, responsible for overall planning, supervision, and implementation of welfare schemes. -
Assistant Social Welfare Officers:
Assist the DSWO in managing day-to-day operations, reviewing proposals, and coordinating with block-level offices. -
Social Welfare Inspectors:
Responsible for field-level inspections, beneficiary verification, and reporting on scheme progress. -
Clerical and Administrative Staff:
Handle documentation, record-keeping, disbursement processing, and general office administration. -
Taluka-Level Officers:
Coordinate implementation at the taluka (sub-district) level, ensuring schemes reach the grassroots. -
Outreach and Field Workers:
Engage with communities directly, raise awareness about available schemes, and assist beneficiaries in application procedures.
This structured hierarchy ensures that government welfare initiatives are effectively delivered to the backward classes and differently-abled individuals in rural areas.
Subject-wise Distribution of Work Desks
| 1 | Mr. Dnyaneshwar Sakharam Dhodkar | 1 | Hostel Scheme, Social Welfare Schemes, Honorarium for Senior Artists and Inter-caste Marriage Scheme, other tasks assigned from time to time by superiors. |
| 2 | Ms. Prajakta Patil | 2 | 5% Zilla Parishad Cess Fund Schemes, Old Age Home Scheme, Court-related matters, and other tasks assigned from time to time by superiors. |
| 3 | Ms. Prajakta Patil | 3 | 20% Zilla Parishad Cess Fund Schemes, and other tasks assigned from time to time by superiors. |
| 4 | Mr. Dnyaneshwar Sakharam Dhodkar | 4 | Development of Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist Settlements, Anti-addiction Campaign and Publicity, 7% Forest Grant, and other tasks assigned from time to time by superiors. |
| 5 | Ms. Savita Gosavi | 5 | All Government Scholarships – 1) Merit Scholarship for students in secondary schools, 2) Tuition/Exam Fee Reimbursement for Backward Class Students (SC), 3) Stipend for Backward Class students in Industrial Training Institutes (ITI), 4) Scholarship for children of parents in unclean occupations, 5) Scholarships for backward class students in classes 5 to 7, 6) Savitribai Phule Scholarship for SC girl students in classes 8 to 10, and other tasks assigned from time to time by superiors. |
| 6 | Ms. Sarita Chougule | 6 | Compliance with audit matters, feedback on all financial files, reconciliation of scheme expenditures, processing all bills under the Social Welfare Department, and coordination with the Finance Department regarding expenditures. |
| 7 | Mr. S. J. Shirke (Medical Social Worker – Additional) | 7 | Establishment and salary-related work for schools for the differently-abled, and participation in school salary committee meetings. |
| 8 | Mr. S. J. Shirke | 8 | Guidance for differently-abled visitors, Seed Capital Scheme for the differently-abled, Disability Scholarships, Disability Marriage Grant Scheme, reviewing all matters related to differently-abled schools and submitting through the Medical Social Worker to the District Social Welfare Officer. |
| 9 | Mr. C. G. Patil | 9 | Inward – Outward correspondence, establishment matters of office staff, and tasks assigned by the Social Welfare Officer from time to time. |
Department Head
District Social Welfare Officer, Thane – Mrs. Ujjwala Sapkale
Telephone Number – 022-25448677