Lucknow, 3 Dec (HS): On the occasion of World Disability Day, in a

state-level function organized at the Jupiter Hall of Indira Gandhi Pratishthan

on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented state-level awards to 30

individuals, institutions, employers and best disabled personnel who have done

remarkable work in the field of disability empowerment. On this occasion, the

Chief Minister distributed tricycles and various assistive devices to 500

disabled persons, inaugurated a Divya Kala exhibition and gave away tablets and

certificates to meritorious students of special schools. Apart from this, on

this occasion, scholarship acceptance certificates were distributed to 5,33,285

students of Class 9 to 12 of Other Backward Class category and certificates

were also distributed to the beneficiaries of Computer Training Scheme and

Marriage Grant Scheme.

Addressing the programme,

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that India's Rishi tradition has always

proved that a person's physical structure does not determine his ability.

Indian wisdom has believed that real power lies in the mind, determination and

self-confidence. Not only India but the entire world has seen that

determination and self-confidence being realised in real life through the capabilities

of the disabled. We have an Ashtavakra Geeta. Sage Ashtavakra has composed it.

There are many misconceptions about him but he has given self-knowledge. There

are many examples in the world including Saint Surdas ji, where when the

disabled got a little strength and support, they did great work for the

society.

State Minister (Independent

Charge) for Backward Classes Welfare and Disability Empowerment, Narendra

Kashyap, stated that the Yogi government is prioritizing the overall welfare,

dignity, and self-reliance of persons with disabilities. He stated that

Disability Rehabilitation Centers (DRCs) will be established in all 18

divisions of the state. This will provide a single-use facility for assistive

devices, prosthetic limbs, and therapy. Referring to the increase in disability

pension from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000, the increase in financial assistance for

assistive devices from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, and the provision of Rs. 35,000

assistance to disabled couples under the Marriage Grant Scheme, he stated that

the government is continuously working to bring about real change in the lives

of persons with disabilities.

Minister Kashyap said that

on the occasion of World Disability Day, 500 persons with disabilities from

various districts were provided with artificial limbs and assistive devices,

and 36 meritorious students studying in special schools were honored. He said

that the Divine Art Exhibition organized from December 3 to 5 will

be a unique showcase of the artistic, technical, professional and entrepreneurial

abilities of persons with disabilities, in which cultural programs will also be

presented by disabled artists and children. 28 multinational companies have

been invited to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities in the CSR

Conclave organized during the program, where special discussions will be held

on increasing cooperation in the areas of rehabilitation, training, employment

and innovation under Corporate Social Responsibility.

Speaking on the scholarship

and fee reimbursement scheme, Minister Kashyap said that scholarship

distribution has now begun in September, whereas previously it used to be done

in March. This year, scholarships worth Rs. 134 crore are being provided to

5,33,285 students. So far, scholarships worth Rs. 323 crore have been given to

more than 12,76,000 students. He said that due to the transparency, commitment,

and continuous efforts of the Yogi government, all the schemes of the Backward

Classes Welfare and Disabled Empowerment Department are being implemented at a

rapid pace.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi