CM Dhami presented state level efficiency awards to skilled specially enabled individuals on the occasion of ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’.
Taking their physical condition as a challenge, Divyangjans have not only made their dreams come true but have also inspired the society: Dhami
DEHRADUN: 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 Program organized at a Wedding Point, Subhash Road on 3 December.
The event was organized on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December. 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 Chief Minister announced to provide free equipments to all the disabled individuals as per their requirements by organizing special camps in all the districts till the upcoming IDPD and to make arrangements for free online IAS coaching to disabled students.
While congratulating all the excellent and skilled disabled awareness, the Chief Minister said that this atmosphere of positive energy and enthusiasm is no less than an inspiration for all of us. He said that today we are honoring those Divyang heroes of the state, who have not only changed their lives with their confidence, patience and courage but have also worked to change the thinking and attitude of the society towards disabled individuals. These individuals have not only realized their dreams by taking their physical condition as a challenge, but have also worked to inspire the society.
Appreciating the courage and dedication of the Divyang community, CM Dhami said that today our Divyang brothers and sisters are proving their ababilities everywhere from government offices to playgrounds. Not only this, everyone has made this line of this poem meaningful on the strength of their dedication and hard work, that is–
The boat does not cross by fearing the waves, those who try never lose. “लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती, कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।”
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many works are being done for the disabled individuals in the country. Prime Minister Modi implemented the ‘Disability Rights Act 2016’ in the country, in which the types of disability were increased from 7 to 21. Today, with this historic change, positive results are being seen in the daily lives of the disabled individuals. He said that the state government is also working to increase facilities for the disabled at every level in the state. Today, whenever we build a public building like a hospital, bus stand, etc., special care is taken that our disabled brothers and sisters do not face any kind of inconvenience in commuting.
The CM reminded that the state government is giving five different types of pensions to the disabled in different categories, through which about one lakh disabled people of the state are getting benefited. At present, disabled people in the state are given a pension of Rs. 1500 per month and a maintenance grant of Rs. 700 per month till the age of 18 years is given to the parents of children disabled from birth. In rural areas, a pension of Rs. 1200 per month is given to those who become disabled accidentally while doing agricultural work. Despite being 21 years of age, people with a height of less than 4 feet are also given a pension of Rs. 1200 per month. By issuing unique identity cards to disabled individuals, access to government welfare schemes is being ensured.
CM Dhami further said that in the state, an amount of Rs 25,000 is being given as an incentive to the disabled couple for marrying a disabled person. Not only this, scholarships are also being provided to disabled children from class one to class eight or children of disabled parents. A lump sum amount of Rs 7,000 is also being provided to disabled individuals with more than 40 percent disability to buy prosthetic limbs or equipment. He said that our government is working with priority towards making the disabled individuals self-reliant and empowered along with giving financial benefits to them. Training centers are being run in Tehri, Nainital and Pithoragarh districts for self-employment of disabled people, in which disabled individuals are being given free training in printing press, sewing cutting etc.
The Chief Minister said that District Disabled Rehabilitation Centers have also been established in every district to provide multi-dimensional services. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, a “Disabled Advisory Board” has also been constituted in the state. A court commissioner has been established in the state for the protection of the rights of the disabled and implementation of the ongoing schemes. Along with this, the facility of online hearing has also been started for redressal of the received complaints. A special “Nari Niketan” is being operated in Dehradun for mentally disabled women in the state. Similarly, a “Half Way Home” is being operated in Herbertpur area to empower mentally disabled women. While on one hand the Health Department is operating a ‘Mental Health Institute’ in Dehradun, on the other hand a ‘Special Mental Rehabilitation Home’ is also being constructed in Udham Singh Nagar.
On this occasion, MLA Khajan Das, Umesh Sharma Kau, Secretary Social Welfare Neeraj Khairwal, Director and Commissioner Divyangjan Prakash Chandra, Additional Secretary Gaurav Kumar and a large number of other people were present.
