Efforts are being made to bring disabled people into the mainstream of society – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Distribution of Three-Wheeled Electric Cycles to Differently-Abled Beneficiaries in Baramati under Pune Zilla Parishad

Pune : A provision has been made in the state budget to reserve 1% of funds specifically for the welfare of differently-abled individuals. The government is committed to ensuring that there is no shortage of resources to provide necessary facilities and support for the differently-abled in the future, said Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune district, Ajit Pawar. He assured that the state government is striving to bring differently-abled citizens into the mainstream of society.

He was speaking at a distribution program held at the Baramati Panchayat Samiti, where differently-abled individuals from the taluka received three-wheeled electric cycles under the Pune Zilla Parishad initiative. The event was attended by Group Development Officer Dr. Anil Bagal, Pune District Central Cooperative Bank Director Sambhaji Holkar, Baramati Cooperative Bank Chairman Sachin Satav, and Bhau Saheb Janzhira of Ashtavadhani Santulan Foundation, among others.

Deputy CM Pawar stated that differently-abled individuals are excelling in various fields today. If they are provided with the necessary resources and employment opportunities for self-reliance, they too can contribute significantly to society. He noted that the state has allocated ₹22,000 crore in this year’s budget for district-level annual plans, and it is now mandatory to spend 1% of this amount on the welfare of the differently-abled. Efforts will also be made to launch scholarships, purchase assistive devices and artificial limbs, and implement self-employment financial assistance schemes through both central and state initiatives. Additionally, Maharashtra has decided to implement reservation in promotions for differently-abled individuals, similar to the central government. He urged for constructive suggestions to improve facilities for them.

Under the initiative by Ashtavadhani Santulan Foundation, 100 differently-abled citizens are being provided with three-wheeled electric cycles to improve their mobility and ease their daily lives. Pawar congratulated the Janzhira family for fulfilling their social responsibility by supporting this noble cause. He encouraged the recipients to utilize these cycles for their businesses and move toward financial self-reliance.

Various development works are ongoing in the taluka, and maintaining them is essential. The responsibility of preserving these assets lies with the people of Baramati. Shops have been constructed at different locations in the city, and there is consideration to allot some of these to differently-abled individuals to help them start their businesses.

Deputy CM Pawar also urged citizens to cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order and directed strict action against those who violate the law.