Govt Empowers Disabled with Free Assistive Devices at Social Empowerment Camps: Minister BL Verma

Jaipur : A free distribution camp for assistive devices under the Government of India’s EDP scheme was organized on Monday at Shaheed Major Natwar Singh Shaktawat Political Higher Secondary School in Chittorgarh district. The event saw Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri BL Verma, along with State Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Joraram Kumawat, Minister of State for Urban Development Shri Zabar Singh Kharra, MP Shri CP Joshi, and other distinguished guests distributing 2,072 assistive devices to 1,304 pre-identified beneficiaries at a total cost of Rs 141.11 lakh.

Union Minister BL Verma emphasized that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is committed to making persons with disabilities more capable and self-reliant. Recognizing the significance of respect and empowerment, the Prime Minister replaced the term “handicapped” with “Divyang.” The government has introduced various initiatives for the educational, social, and economic development of disabled individuals. Key measures include expanding disability categories from 7 to 21, raising job reservation from 3% to 4%, and increasing higher education reservations for disabled persons from 3% to 5%. Additionally, 40% of disabled students are provided assistive devices in schools, and scholarships worth over Rs 878 crore have been allocated to support their education. Over one crore UIDI cards have been issued, and sports initiatives for the disabled continue to be promoted. Assistive devices are made available through Divyasha Kendra, while the Vyoshree Yojana provides equipment for the elderly.

Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Joraram Kumawat highlighted Rajasthan’s recent budget provisions, including funding for temple development and maintenance. He also mentioned the Chief Minister’s launch of a mobile veterinary unit to treat animals in rural areas. Dialing 1962 connects villagers with a team of veterinarians for at-home animal care. Additionally, an insurance scheme for livestock provides Rs 40,000 compensation in case of animal death. Through the Gopalak card, cattle owners can access loans up to Rs 1 lakh, and subsidies are provided to establish gaushalas for cattle conservation.

Minister of State for Urban Development Shri Zabar Singh Kharra remarked on India’s progress under Prime Minister Modi’s vision through initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Skill India, Make in India, and the Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s leadership, Rajasthan has launched several welfare schemes, aiming to reach all eligible beneficiaries for inclusive development.

The pre-identified differently-abled individuals were screened at multiple locations in the district by Alimco and Chittorgarh District Administration between August 22 and September 2, 2024. Assistive devices, produced by Elimco, a Government of India enterprise in Kanpur, included 103 motorized tricycles, 597 tricycles, 235 wheelchairs, 410 crutches, 445 walking sticks, 18 rollators, 144 BTE hearing aids, 10 CP chairs, 34 accessible canes, Braille kits, and 13 TLM kits.

Prominent attendees included Kapasan MLA Arjun Lal Jinagar, Nimbaheda MLA Srichand Kripalani, District Collector Alok Ranjan, as well as local representatives and officials.