Directorate of Social Welfare

The Directorate of Social Welfare in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) serves as a cornerstone of community support and human development across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Situated along the Great Andaman Trunk Road in the Junglighat area, this government office is dedicated to implementing and overseeing a wide range of social security programs, welfare schemes, and protective services for the most vulnerable segments of society. Visitors and beneficiaries often note the pleasant atmosphere and the helpful, approachable nature of the staff, reflecting the directorate's commitment to public service and compassionate governance.

As a key administrative body under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the directorate plays a pivotal role in translating social justice policies into tangible benefits at the grassroots level. The office functions as a hub for coordinating efforts related to family welfare, child protection, women's empowerment, senior citizen support, and the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. The team on the ground works diligently to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the intended recipients across the archipelago's diverse and often remote island communities.

Core Welfare Programs and Services

The Directorate of Social Welfare administers a comprehensive portfolio of programs designed to uphold the dignity and rights of every individual. The primary focus areas include child development, women's safety and economic independence, and the care and protection of elderly citizens and persons with special needs. Each initiative is executed through a network of field officers, Anganwadi centers, and institutional care facilities spread across the islands.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

A flagship program under this directorate, ICDS provides a holistic package of services to children under six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. These services include supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-ups, and referral services, primarily delivered through a vast network of Anganwadi centers operating in both urban settlements and remote tribal hamlets.

Women's Empowerment and Protection

We actively champion the cause of gender equality through various initiatives. The directorate spearheads the implementation of schemes like the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign, provides short-stay homes and shelter facilities for women in distress, and operates a 24/7 women's helpline. Vocational training programs and self-help group promotion are key strategies used to foster financial independence and social agency among women in the islands.

Senior Citizen Support and Geriatric Care

Recognizing the unique needs of the aging population, the directorate runs and oversees old age homes, day care centers for seniors, and pension disbursement programs. The focus is on providing a supportive and secure environment where elderly residents can lead a life of dignity, free from neglect and financial anxiety.

Facilities and Institutional Care

Beyond community outreach, the Directorate of Social Welfare manages several specialized institutions that serve as vital safety nets. These facilities provide round-the-clock care, rehabilitation, and a protective environment for those who have no other recourse.

• Children's Homes and Observation Homes: Providing shelter, education, and counseling for children in need of care and protection, as well as those in conflict with the law, ensuring their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
• Shelter Homes for Women: Offering safe, confidential refuge and comprehensive support services, including legal aid and psychological counseling, for victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and other forms of abuse.
• Homes for Persons with Disabilities: Dedicated centers providing therapeutic care, special education, and vocational skills training to empower individuals with physical and mental challenges to live as independently as possible.
• Old Age Homes: A secure, homely atmosphere for destitute and abandoned senior citizens, ensuring they receive nutritional meals, medical attention, and a community of peers.

Community Outreach and Schemes

The directorate's impact is most profoundly felt through its direct financial and material assistance schemes that target poverty, malnutrition, and social exclusion. Our staff work diligently to process applications, verify eligibility, and ensure transparent and timely delivery of benefits.

A key focus is social security pensions, including old-age, widow, and disability pensions, which provide a critical source of income for those unable to work. Another major thrust is on nutritional support through the distribution of food grains and supplementary nutrition under various programs, tackling malnutrition head-on. Marriage assistance schemes for daughters of underprivileged families are also a notable source of community support, easing the financial burden on families during a significant life event.

Why Citizens Choose Our Services

Beneficiaries and their families consistently point to the Directorate of Social Welfare for its genuine commitment and the palpable empathy of its officers. The high rating and positive reviews of this government office are a testament to a service-oriented culture that is not always associated with public administration. People come here not just for a certificate or a pension, but for a supportive interaction where they feel heard and respected.

The office atmosphere is described by visitors as calm and pleasant, which helps reduce the stress often involved in navigating government bureaucracy. The team's proactive guidance and willingness to go the extra mile make the process of applying for complex welfare schemes significantly more accessible for the elderly, the illiterate, and the socially disadvantaged.

Serving Bamboo Flat and the Entire Archipelago

While the main office is strategically located on the Great Andaman Trunk Road in Sri Vijaya Puram for accessibility, the directorate's jurisdiction spans the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Bamboo Flat (Wimberlygunj) and the remotest Nicobar settlements. This extensive coverage is a monumental logistical challenge that the department meets with dedicated field machinery and a network of decentralized implementation units.

Whether it is a tribal community in Nicobar accessing maternal health services or a senior citizen in Bamboo Flat receiving a pension, the directorate strives to maintain equitable service delivery. The integration of technology and regular monitoring tours by officers help bridge the geographical gap and ensure that no community is left outside the ambit of social protection.

Hours, Location and Getting Here

The Directorate of Social Welfare operates from its campus in Junglighat, a prominent and easily reachable locality in Sri Vijaya Puram. The office is open to the public from 08:30 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing ample time for citizens to visit and file their applications or inquiries. The office is closed on Sundays and public holidays, though emergency services for women and children in crisis are available through the helpline numbers.

Finding the office is straightforward, as it is located on the main Great Andaman Trunk Road, a central arterial route. For those using public transport, the area is well-served by buses and auto-rickshaws. The location is conveniently marked on online maps, and a ride-hailing service is also a viable option for reaching the office directly.