Service Delivery for Persons with Disabilities to Become More Accessible and Transparent: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

‘Divyang Sahayak Portal’ Gives Digital Momentum to Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Mumbai, February 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that service delivery for persons with disabilities will become more accessible, transparent and time-bound with the launch of the ‘Divyang Sahayak Portal’. Developed by the Department of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, the integrated online portal and mobile application aim to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive government scheme benefits in a simple, transparent and timely manner, thereby giving digital momentum to the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Divyang Sahayak Portal’ (https://divyangsahayakportal.maharashtra.gov.in/) and its mobile app at Sahyadri Guest House. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Minister for Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Atul Save, other members of the Cabinet, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and Secretary of the Department of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Tukaram Mundhe.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said the state government is fully committed to the holistic development of persons with disabilities, with the objective of integrating them into the mainstream and making them self-reliant. The portal has been developed to make it easier for eligible citizens with disabilities to identify suitable schemes, apply for them and receive benefits. Through effective use of technology, decision-making will be faster and schemes will reach eligible beneficiaries on time. He added that the initiative will significantly enhance the “ease of living” for persons with disabilities.

With this portal, beneficiaries can apply online from their homes and track application status in real time. Comprehensive information on various schemes for persons with disabilities has been brought together on a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple visits to government offices.

Secretary Tukaram Mundhe said that using Artificial Intelligence through an integrated portal is a significant step towards empowering persons with disabilities. Services will now be available at their fingertips or through voice notes, making access easier for those who find typing difficult. The initiative will enhance transparency and accountability while building trust among all stakeholders. All services, schemes and benefits for persons with disabilities will be accessible through a single portal, without the need to visit offices or interact with officials in person.

About the Portal

Single-Window System:
The department has simplified conventional office procedures through Business Process Re-engineering (BPR). Under this system, processes have been streamlined into three levels. Persons with disabilities must first create a profile on the portal, after which they can apply for schemes for which they are eligible.

Key Features of the Divyang Sahayak Portal

1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
   Identification through Aadhaar and UDID ensures that benefits reach only genuine beneficiaries.
2. AI-Based Grievance Redressal and Voice Notes:
   An AI-enabled WhatsApp chatbot has been introduced. Those who find typing difficult can register complaints using voice notes, making communication with the administration more accessible and sensitive.
3. Comprehensive Information for Planning:
   The portal provides consolidated information that will help persons with disabilities, their parents and institutions plan in advance for education, skill development and rehabilitation.
4. Administrative Transparency and Accuracy (Curbing Fake Beneficiaries):
   Use of UDID and Aadhaar APIs helps identify duplicate or fake beneficiaries. Through proactive governance, data from the education department (UDISE) will be used to reach out directly to needy students and extend scheme benefits.
5. Master Plan of Modules:
   A total of 11 modules are proposed for the portal. In the first phase, four modules—scheme delivery, institution management, grievance redressal and dashboard—have been made operational. In subsequent phases, services such as accessibility audits and Early Intervention Centres will be added.

Website: https://divyangsahayakportal.maharashtra.gov.in/