Kathua, Aug 29: Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the Centre has taken several significant measures to ensure dignity, equal opportunities and greater participation of persons with disabilities in nation-building and perception towards them has changed after 2014.
While talking to media persons on the sidelines of a Divyang and Family Sammelan organised by Saksham at Hiranagar here, Singh, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “PM Modi led government, since assuming office in 2014, has taken several important decisions to ensure that every citizen gets equal respect and that their capabilities are effectively utilised in nation-building.”
Congratulating the organisers, Singh said Saksham is an all-India organisation working for the welfare of persons with disabilities for the past 10–12 years.
Referring to the change in terminology from “Viklang” to “Divyang”, Singh said the decision was not merely a change of name but helped transform society’s perception towards persons with disabilities.
He said persons with disabilities should not be viewed merely as recipients of sympathy, pity or assistance, but as citizens deserving dignity and respect who can make meaningful contributions to the nation based on their capabilities.
The Union Minister said reservation for persons with disabilities in government jobs has been increased from three per cent to four per cent, while reservation in higher educational institutions has been increased from three per cent to five per cent.
He said the number of recognised categories of disabilities has also been expanded from six or seven to 21, enabling more people with different forms of disabilities to avail benefits under government schemes.
The Union Minister said various other measures have also been introduced, including concessional loans, special facilities for persons with disabilities at around 90 airports, accessibility provisions in newly constructed government buildings and concessions on assistive devices.
He also stressed the importance of empowering women and mothers in supporting children with disabilities.
“Whenever a human being is born, the first contact with humanity is through the mother,” Singh said, adding that strengthening and empowering women can help identify, nurture and develop the capabilities of children with disabilities.
He said modern medical technology can help identify certain disorders or defects during pregnancy, while advances such as gene sequencing can also play an important role in early identification and management.
Singh said awareness about scientific facilities and government schemes should be increased, describing the Matri Shakti Conference organised by Saksham as an important initiative in this regard.
On development in the Hiranagar area, Singh said the proposed national-level Arun Jaitley Stadium has made significant progress and formalities related to land transfer are almost complete.
He said efforts had also been made by former MLA Rajiv Jasrotia in connection with the project and added that a plan for laying the foundation stone would be prepared soon.
Singh further said the work on the Express Corridor is almost complete and road connectivity has reached up to the border and Zero Line. He added that mobile towers have also been installed and bunkers constructed in the border areas—(KNO)
