CM Mohan Yadav has said that social equality and harmony are the primary responsibilities of a welfare state. Ensuring the protection and welfare of all sections of society—especially Divyangs and weaker groups—is our collective duty. The government is committed to empowering Divyangs by providing them with the necessary support to become self-reliant.
The Chief Minister said, “Divyangs are manifestations of the divine—serving them is akin to serving God”, during a review meeting of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities held at Samatva Bhavan, his official residence.
CM Mohan Yadav directed that camps should be organized to identify new Divyang beneficiaries and ensure they receive appropriate assistance, guidance, and assistive devices. He also stressed that every eligible individual must benefit from all welfare schemes through continuous monitoring of implementation.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed existing efforts for the development and welfare of Divyangs and stated that integrating them into the mainstream and linking them to self-employment opportunities is a top priority. He called for the adoption of successful models from other states for the welfare of Divyangs and leprosy-affected persons. He directed officials to promote the Mukhyamantri Kalyani Vivah Protsahan Yojana for the marriage of women from weaker sections. A dedicated portal has been developed to facilitate this initiative.
The meeting was attended by Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Horticulture and Food Processing, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Shri Manish Rastogi and Principal Secretary Smt. Sonali Vayangankar, among other officials.
Soon-to-be-Inaugurated Paid Old Age Home in Bhopal
CM Mohan Yadav emphasised that paid old age homes are becoming a necessity in today’s society where children often live abroad for education or jobs. Inspired by successful models in Agra and Jaipur, he suggested giving these institutions culturally appropriate Hindi names and involving NGOs and religious/charitable organizations in their operations.
Minister Kushwah informed that a government-run paid old age home, constructed at a cost of Rs. 23.96 crore in the Journalist Colony area of Bhopal, will soon be inaugurated by CM Mohan Yadav . A suitable institution is being selected for managing its operations. The home will be run on a paid basis, and room rents will be deposited into the department’s bank account. Private institutions are also showing interest in setting up similar homes, and requests for land allotment have been received.
Key Achievements and Ongoing Initiatives
Minister Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah informed that over 9.57 lakh Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards have been issued to persons with disabilities in the state. These identity cards are enabling Divyangs to directly access various government welfare schemes. He added that more than 56 lakh pension beneficiaries are receiving over Rs. 339 crore every month directly into their bank accounts through a single-click transfer system. The Minister further stated that a special recruitment drive for Divyangs is underway, through which over 2,500 persons with disabilities have been provided employment in government services. He also informed that under the Marriage Promotion Scheme for Persons with Disabilities, a total of 11,294 couples have been married in the past 10 years.
Additionally, District Disability Rehabilitation Centers have been established in all districts of the state for the treatment and care of Divyangs and senior citizens. These centers are equipped with physiotherapists and other therapeutic services.
Toll-Free Helpline 1800-233-4397 Launched for Divyangs
Principal Secretary Smt. Sonali Vayangankar informed during the meeting that live interpreter services have been launched in the state to assist hearing-impaired Divyangs. An MoU has been signed with the Deaf Can Association to facilitate these services.
A toll-free helpline – 1800-233-4397 – has also been launched in collaboration with NGO Aarushi to provide support and assistance to persons with disabilities. She added that efforts are being made to promote sports talents among Divyangs. A dedicated scheme is being formulated to encourage their participation in competitive events. Old-age homes and de-addiction centers are being established in selected districts of the state. Institutions with relevant expertise are being selected to train caregivers in providing at-home elderly care. Additionally, all departmental officers and employees have been registered on the iGOT portal under Mission Karmayogi. A mobile app has been developed for continuous monitoring of all government and non-government institutions affiliated with the department, and 135 institutions have already been inspected through it. She also informed that in 42 districts, departmental work is being carried out through the e-office system.