By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 3 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami felicitated 89 skilled specially enabled employees, players, self-employed individuals, and their employers by presenting them with state-level efficiency awards during the Divyang State Level Efficiency Award Distribution Programme held here today.
The event was organised on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) here today. The awardees included 25 skilled specially enabled employees, 32 skilled specially enabled players, 30 self-employed specially enabled individuals, and 2 employers of specially enabled persons.
On this occasion, the CM announced that by the next IDPD, all disabled individuals will be provided free equipment as per their requirements through special camps to be organised in all districts. Arrangements will also be made for free online IAS coaching for disabled students.
While congratulating all the excellent and skilled disabled awardees, the CM noted that this atmosphere of positive energy and enthusiasm is an inspiration for everyone. The state is honouring Divyang heroes who have not only transformed their lives with self-confidence, patience, and courage but have also changed societal attitudes towards disabled individuals. These individuals have taken their physical challenges as opportunities and have inspired society with their achievements.
Dhami praised the courage and dedication of the Divyang community, noting that they are proving their capabilities in various fields, from government offices to playgrounds.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many initiatives have been implemented for disabled individuals, including the ‘Disability Rights Act 2016,’ which expanded the types of recognised disabilities from 7 to 21. This historic change has brought positive results in the daily lives of disabled individuals. The state government also claims to be enhancing facilities for the disabled at every level, ensuring accessibility in public buildings like hospitals and bus stands.
The CM reminded that the state government provides five different types of pensions to approximately one lakh disabled people. Currently, disabled individuals receive a pension of Rs 1,500 per month, and parents of children with disabilities receive a maintenance grant of Rs 700 per month until the child turns 18. In rural areas, a pension of Rs 1,200 per month is provided for accidental disabilities incurred during agricultural work. Additionally, individuals with a height less than 4 feet are eligible for a Rs 1,200 monthly pension. Access to government welfare schemes is ensured through unique identity cards for the disabled.
The state provides an incentive of Rs 25,000 for disabled couples marriage and offers scholarships to disabled children from class one to class eight or children of disabled parents. Individuals with more than 40 percent disability receive a lump sum of Rs 7,000 for purchasing artificial limbs or equipment. The government prioritises making disabled individuals self-reliant and empowered through economic benefits and free training programmes in districts like Tehri, Nainital, and Pithoragarh.
District Disabled Rehabilitation Centres have been established in every district to offer multi-dimensional services. The state has also constituted a “Disabled Advisory Board” and appointed a court commissioner for protecting disabled rights and implementing schemes. Online hearing facilities are available for complaint resolution. Special facilities such as “Nari Niketan” in Dehradun for mentally disabled women and “Half Way Home” in Herbertpur are operational. Additionally, a ‘Mental Health Institute’ operates in Dehradun, and a ‘Special Mental Rehabilitation Home’ is being constructed in Udham Singh Nagar.
On this occasion, MLAs Khajan Das and Umesh Sharma Kau, Secretary, Social Welfare, Neeraj Khairwal, Director and Commissioner for the Disabled Prakash Chandra, Additional Secretary Gaurav Kumar, and many others were also present.
