https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Sambal Abhiyan Brings A Ray Of Hope For The Specially Abled

Under IAS officer Jasmeet Singh Sandhu’s leadership, Sambal Abhiyan has transformed the lives of over 7,500 specially abled individuals in Salumbar by ensuring access to disability certificates, pensions, scholarships, assistive devices, and inclusive infrastructure through a coordinated effort of multiple government departments.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the heart of Salumbar district, a silent revolution is underway. Spearheaded by the district administration, Sambal Abhiyan is changing lives, one step at a time. 2016 batch IAS officer and DC of Salumbar Mr. Jasmeet Singh Sandhu is leading this initiative and has made it his mission to empower the specially abled by bridging gaps in access and entitlements.

“Empowerment begins when society comes together to lift its most vulnerable,” said Mr. Sandhu to Indian Masterminds. With this belief, the campaign has ensured that thousands of specially abled individuals receive the support they rightfully deserve. But what makes Sambal Abhiyan truly remarkable is its approach—the convergence of efforts from multiple departments, ensuring no one is left behind.

UNITING EFFORTS

Despite several government schemes in place, many specially abled individuals were struggling to access their entitlements. Realizing this, Mr. Sandhu and his team decided to streamline the process by bringing various departments together under one umbrella.

The first challenge was ensuring that all eligible individuals had their disability certificates. Without this crucial document, they could not apply for benefits. “We needed to act fast. That’s why we conducted special medical camps with experts from ophthalmology, psychiatry, orthopedics, and ENT,” Mr. Sandhu explains.

These camps turned out to be a game-changer. On-the-spot issuance of disability certificates meant that over 5,900 individuals could now access government benefits. The administration also ensured that 4,400 specially abled individuals received their unique UDID cards, a vital identification for availing multiple services.

BRIDGING EDUCATION AND CARE

Ensuring educational inclusion was another key goal. The education department, in collaboration with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), conducted a thorough survey to identify specially abled children. “Every child deserves a chance at education. We made sure no one was left out,” says Mr. Sandhu.

Thanks to these efforts, children enrolled in anganwadis are now receiving nutritious meals, dry rations, and take-home rations. Those admitted to schools are benefiting from scholarships, transport vouchers, and stipends. Over 250 students now receive transport vouchers, while 125 are getting stipends to support their education.

Additionally, children requiring medical attention were treated under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), ensuring their health needs were met.

INFRASTRUCTURE THAT CARES

Empowerment goes beyond entitlements—it requires an accessible environment. Mr. Sandhu directed departments such as Rural Development, Urban Development, and Public Works to make buildings and public spaces disability-friendly by adding ramps and other necessary modifications.

“Accessibility is a fundamental right. We want our specially abled citizens to feel welcomed everywhere,” Mr. Sandhu asserts. The administration also collaborated with ALIMCO, a Government of India enterprise, to distribute assistive devices like hearing aids and calipers to those in need. So far, 788 individuals have received 110 pieces of special equipment.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

Recognizing that government efforts alone are not enough, Mr. Sandhu involved NGOs and civil society organizations in the campaign. Their experience in working with specially abled individuals added a valuable dimension to the initiative.

Families of the specially abled were also not forgotten. Fifty-eight families received Astha cards, which provide access to additional benefits and support systems.

A REMARKABLE OUTCOME

The results of Sambal Abhiyan speak for themselves: over 7,500 specially abled individuals have been identified, 5,500 are now receiving pensions, and hundreds of students are benefiting from various educational incentives.

“This is just the beginning,” says Mr. Sandhu with a smile. “Our goal is to ensure that every specially abled individual in Salumbar feels supported and empowered. Together, we are building a more inclusive future.”

As Sambal Abhiyan continues to make strides, it serves as a beacon of hope for other districts, proving that with determination, compassion, and collective effort, real change is possible.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
MP CM Collector Award Niti Aayog
Sampurnata Abhiyan: Madhya Pradesh Leads NITI Aayog Campaign; Collectors from 8 Districts Win Gold
Mohan Yadav
MP CM Mohan Yadav Pushes for Sustainable, Community-Driven Rural Water Policy; Targets 100% Tap Coverage by March 2027
Ajay Bhadoo IAS
IAS Ajay Bhadoo Gets Extended Term as DGFT - What It Means & His Career Journey
THDCIL_Receives_ABMS_Certification_for_Integrity_and_Transparency
THDC India (THDCIL) Awarded ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Certification by BIS - Details Inside
Ministry of Environment
Environment Ministry Clarifies Petrol Vehicle Tender, Cites E-Vehicle Flexibility
Bokaro Steel Plant
PESB Selects Priya Ranjan to Head Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL’s Key Production Unit
REC Limited wins ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC (DNA) Awards
REC Limited Bags ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IFS S Krithiga
Eco-Friendly Cottages, Tribal Cuisine, and Conservation: Inside Tamil Nadu’s Pachamalai Project
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT