Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar announced the construction of Divyangjan Park in Raipur

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today inaugurated the 17th ‘Divya Kala Mela’ at BTI Ground in Shankar Nagar, capital Raipur. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar announced to build a Divyajan Park in Raipur on getting land, on which Chief Minister Shri Sai announced to provide 5 acres of land for the construction of this park in Raipur. ”Divya Kala Mela” will be organized in Raipur from 16 August 2024 to 23 August 2024. It will be open for the general public from 10 am to 9 pm.

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, while addressing the function, said that Divya Kala Mela is an excellent display of the unique skills and entrepreneurship of Divyang brothers and sisters. There is no dearth of talent among Divyangjans, the need is to encourage and promote them. For this purpose, the Central Government is running many schemes for the social and economic empowerment of Divyangjans, so that Divyangjans can also play an important role in the all-round development of the country. Prime Minister Modi’s dream of self-reliant India will be fulfilled only when our Divyang brothers and sisters become self-reliant and empowered.

He said that after the new building of State Resource Center (CRC) operating in Rajnandgaon is constructed, diploma, graduation and post-graduation courses will be conducted there for Divyangjans. ‘Divya Kala Mela’ will also be organized in other cities of Chhattisgarh. Their location will be decided by Chief Minister Shri Sai. He said that about 60 stalls have been set up in this fair. People coming here will be able to taste the cuisines of other states.

The Union Minister said that earlier Divyangjans were addressed by many names, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi named them Divyangjans. He informed that 7 categories of Divyangjans have been increased to 21 categories. Reservation in government jobs has been increased from 3% to 4%. Reservation for admission in government schools and recognized schools has been increased from 3% to 5%. Under Sugam Bharat Abhiyan for Divyangjans, ramps and separate toilets have been built in government buildings, railway stations, airports.

The Union Minister announced to organize Divya Kala Mela in Raipur from 16 to 22 August till 23 August. He said that free arrangements are being made for travel, stay and stalls for Divyangjan entrepreneurs and artists in this fair. He informed that National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation provides loans to Divyangjans at concessional rates for business. Free artificial limbs are also provided to Divyangjans. The Union Minister also informed that the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides National Overseas Scholarship to 75 Divyang students. This year, 25 applications have been received for this so far.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said on this occasion that Divya Kala Mela has provided a platform to the creativity, skills and creativity of Divyangjan, so that they can display their products in the country and abroad. He said that the previous successful events of Divya Kala Mela have not only promoted the participation of Divyangjan, but have also ensured their economic and social empowerment. The Chief Minister urged people to come in large numbers to Divya Kala Mela and see, test and buy the products made by Divyangjan, so that it helps in empowerment of Divyangjan.

Expressing happiness, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this fair is not only a medium of economic empowerment for Divyangjan, but is also an important pillar of social harmony. He said that removing the obstacles in the approval of concessional loans to Divyangjan in the state in the last few years, issuing loan approval letters to 25 people today is a symbol of a new beginning. Appreciating the efforts of NDFDC, he said that the institution has made a significant contribution in promoting the economic development and employment opportunities of Divyangjan.

Addressing the program, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that organizing this fair is a historic occasion for Chhattisgarh. In which Divyang entrepreneurs and artists from 16 states and union territories have come with their products. He said that the central and state governments are running many schemes to make Divyangjans empowered and self-reliant.

Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Shri Laxmi Rajwada while addressing the program said that Divya Kala Mela has been organized for the first time in Chhattisgarh. She said that if the Divyangjans of Chhattisgarh think of something new, then the state government will encourage them to realize their dreams. She informed that 12 schemes are being run to empower the Divyangjans.

Raipur MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal urged Union Minister Shri Virendra Kumar to construct a Divyangjan Park in Chhattisgarh. He said that Divyangjans need encouragement and not sympathy. Their talent needs to be brought forward and promoted.

In the programme, Divyang students of Akanksha Institute presented wonderful programmes. The Chief Minister gave a cheque of Rs. 51 thousand as prize money to these students. The Union Minister and the Chief Minister distributed motorized tricycles to 4 Divyangjans and tricycle to one Divyang and cheques of loan amount to 11 Divyang beneficiaries for purchase of tractor, e-rickshaw, tractor trolley, medical store, readymade garment, rental shop, centering plate, tent house business.

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and the Chief Minister visited various stalls set up on this occasion. Products of handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery work, rakhis, packaged food, home decor and lifestyle items, clothes, stationery and eco-friendly products, organic products, toys, paintings and gifts, personal accessories, jewellery, clutch bags etc. from many states including Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern states of Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans from across the country are available for display and sale in the fair. Divya Kala Mela has been organised in Raipur by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India and National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC).

DDG, Ministry of Social Justice, Shri Kishor Baburao Surwade delivered the welcome address. CMD, National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation, Shri Naveen Shah presented the vote of thanks. MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, Shri Purandar Mishra, senior officers of the state government, a large number of handicapped people, students of various institutions and enlightened citizens were present in the program.