Academic Curriculum Must Include Drug Abuse Awareness: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that all government buildings must be made barrier-free to ensure easy access and mobility for persons with disabilities. He also emphasised the need to include appropriate content in school curricula to foster sensitivity and awareness about persons with disabilities among children from an early age.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, chairing a review meeting of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Divyang Persons at the Secretariat on Thursday, directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to strengthen the ongoing anti-drug campaign. He said it is essential to make adolescents and youth aware of the harmful effects of substance abuse before they become vulnerable to addiction. The Chief Minister directed that awareness material on the ill effects of drug abuse be incorporated into school and college curricula to build a strong social movement against substance abuse. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also instructed officials to promote employment opportunities for Divyang persons in the private sector and to organise skill development programmes aligned with their abilities.

The review meeting was attended by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment of Divyang Persons, Shri Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain and senior officials.

168 Smart Classrooms Developed for Students with Disabilities

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Indian tradition of serving meals to the needy on occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries and in memory of departed family members reflects the country’s rich cultural values. He suggested institutionalising such voluntary initiatives by establishing a dedicated system to provide meals to destitute persons at major religious places across the State.

During the meeting, officials informed that under the Chief Minister Seva Pakhwada Campaign–2025, artificial limbs and assistive devices worth ₹6.52 crore were distributed to Divyang beneficiaries across the State. It was also informed that 168 smart classrooms have been developed in special schools for students with disabilities. Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, 12,000 volunteers have been mobilised to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

To promote self-reliance and employment among Divyang persons, the department has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with award-winning institutions recognised by the Government of India. These institutions have so far facilitated employment for 12 persons with disabilities. The meeting was also informed that 54 participants have received caregiver training to strengthen support services for senior citizens.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav conducted a point-wise review of the progress of various schemes being implemented by the department and directed officials to ensure their effective and timely implementation. Additional Chief Secretaries Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Shri Sanjay Shukla and Shri Manish Rastogi, Principal Secretary Smt. Sonali Wayangankar and other departmental officials were also present at the meeting.