Minister

Narendra Kashyap inaugurated three-day state level event in Aligarh

Yogi

govt making disabled self-reliant and taking them forward in education, sports

and employment: ​​Minister Narendra Kashyap

Aligarh/Lucknow,

27 Dec (HS): Fulfilling the Yogi government's commitment to empowering persons

with disabilities, the three-day state-level Divya Khel Mahotsav-2025 was

inaugurated with great fanfare at the Ahilyabai Holkar Stadium in Aligarh. The

program was inaugurated by Narendra Kashyap, Minister of State (Independent

Charge) for Backward Classes Welfare and Disabled Empowerment, by lighting a

lamp.

On

this occasion, Minister Narendra Kashyap, while encouraging the disabled

players, said that sports are the most effective medium for building

self-confidence, self-respect and social inclusion of the disabled. He said

that Divya Khel Mahotsav is not just a competition, but a celebration of the

talent, determination and self-reliance of the disabled. Minister Narendra

Kashyap said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the

leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the double engine government has

given top priority to the empowerment of the disabled. The government's clear

intention is that the disabled should progress and become self-reliant in every

field of education, sports, employment and social life.

He

explained that prior to 2017; the disability pension was only Rs. 300 per

month, which the Yogi government has increased to Rs. 1,000 per month.

Currently, over 1.15 million disabled people in the state are benefiting from

this pension scheme. The government is also continuously striving to further

increase the pension amount in the future. Additionally, assistance of Rs. 35,000

is provided under the Disabled Couple Marriage Incentive Scheme, Rs. 20,000 for

shop construction, and Rs. 10,000 for shop operation. For the health and

rehabilitation of disabled people, the government is bearing the cost of

cochlear implants up to Rs. 6 lakh. Additionally, free surgery, prosthetic

limbs, and assistive devices are also being provided.

Highlighting

the government's commitment to education, Minister Kashyap said that through

special schools, care centers, universities, and innovation-based programs,

equal opportunities are being provided to students with disabilities, from

primary education to higher education. The goal is to empower people with

disabilities economically, socially, and physically, enabling them to live

better-than-normal lives. Referring to sports, Minister Kashyap said that

Indian athletes with disabilities have brought glory to the country on

international platforms like the Paralympics. The outstanding performance of

Indian athletes at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has proven that people with

disabilities are no less. Athletes like Devendra Jhajharia are a source of

inspiration for young people with disabilities.

Minister

Narendra Kashyap said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed society's

mindset by replacing the word disabled with Divyang.

People with disabilities possess extraordinary abilities and can play a vital

role in nation-building. At the conclusion of the program, Minister Kashyap

congratulated all the disabled athletes and expressed confidence that the

talents emerging from Divya Khel Mahotsav-2025 will bring glory to the state

and country in the future.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi