Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai distributed modern assistive devices worth Rs 3.58 crore to 1,739 persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) under Project Sahara at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur.
The initiative aims to promote dignity, independence and empowerment among Divyangjan by providing them with essential mobility and support equipment. During the programme, the Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 7 crore for the renovation, repair and beautification of the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state government is working with full commitment towards ensuring respect, equal opportunities and social inclusion for Divyangjan.
Divyangjan Are an Integral Part of Society: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the identity of a developed and sensitive society lies in providing equal opportunities, respect and inclusion to every citizen.
He said Divyangjan are an important part of society and their talents must be encouraged through social, educational and economic empowerment initiatives.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is continuously working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities through various welfare schemes, skill development programmes and rehabilitation efforts.
PM Modi Changed Social Perception by Introducing the Term ‘Divyang’
CM Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought a positive change in society’s approach towards persons with disabilities by introducing the term “Divyang”.
He said the change was not limited to words but represented a transformation in the mindset of society by promoting respect, confidence and dignity among persons with disabilities.
He added that the Chhattisgarh government is following the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas” to make the lives of Divyangjan easier and more self-reliant.
1,739 Divyangjan Receive Modern Assistive Equipment Under Project Sahara
During the programme, beneficiaries received various modern assistive devices, including:
- Motorized tricycles
- Tricycles
- Wheelchairs
- Hearing aids
- Artificial hands and legs
- Walking sticks
- Crutches and other support equipment
The Chief Minister said these devices are not just assistance tools but represent a new beginning towards self-confidence, dignity and independence for Divyangjan.
Special Screening Campaign Identified More Than 1,600 Beneficiaries
CM Vishnu Deo Sai informed that a special screening campaign was conducted in Raipur district to identify eligible Divyangjan.
Through this campaign, more than 1,600 persons with disabilities were identified, following which financial assistance of Rs 3.58 crore was received from the Government of India for providing assistive devices.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government for supporting the initiative.
Project Sahara Benefits 1,739 Divyangjan in Multiple Phases
The Chief Minister said that in the first phase of Project Sahara, assistive devices were provided to around 500 to 600 Divyangjan.
In the latest distribution programme, more than 1,000 beneficiaries received equipment, taking the total number of beneficiaries under the project to 1,739 Divyangjan.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment towards creating an inclusive society.
Rs 7 Crore Announced for Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium Renovation
During the event, CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced Rs 7 crore for the renovation and development of Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium.
He said strong sports infrastructure is important not only for athletes but also for conducting social welfare and public programmes effectively.
Government Running Several Welfare Schemes for Divyangjan
The Chief Minister said the state government is implementing several schemes for the welfare of persons with disabilities, including:
- Distribution of assistive devices
- Social security pensions
- Reservation in education and employment
- Skill development programmes
- Rehabilitation facilities
He assured that efforts are being made to ensure that no eligible Divyangjan remains deprived of government benefits.
CM Highlights Achievements Under Modi’s Guarantee
CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that during the last two and a half years, the state government has fulfilled most of the commitments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee.
He mentioned several schemes that have positively impacted people’s lives, including:
- Prime Minister Awas Yojana
- Mahtari Vandan Yojana
- Ramlala Darshan Yojana
- Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Yojana
He said under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, around 70 lakh women have received more than Rs 18,000 crore through 29 instalments directly into their bank accounts.
Service Setu App and CM Helpline 1076 Strengthen Governance
The Chief Minister informed that the Service Setu App is providing more than 500 services of 36 departments to citizens from their homes.
He also highlighted the Chief Minister Helpline 1076, which enables citizens to register complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a facility for time-bound resolution.
Two New Projects Launched, Raipur Administration’s Innovations Appreciated
CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised several innovative initiatives launched by the Raipur district administration, including:
- Project Dhadkan
- Project Suraksha
- Red Cross initiatives
- Project Dadhichi
- Zindagi Muskurayegi
- Nikshay Mitra
- Vandan
- Golden Hour
He said Project Sahara has brought a new ray of hope into the lives of Divyangjan.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also launched Project Saral and Project Golden Hour and released the coffee table book “Navachar Se Pragati Path Par Agrasar Raipur” highlighting innovative works of the district administration.
CM Reviews Welfare Stalls and Interacts with Beneficiaries
The Chief Minister visited various stalls showcasing government welfare schemes and innovations.
He interacted with beneficiaries and reviewed the implementation of different schemes. He instructed officials to ensure that government benefits reach the last person with transparency and sensitivity.
Key Officials and Dignitaries Present at the Event
The programme was attended by:
- MLA Sunil Soni
- MLA Anuj Sharma
- MLA Indrakumar Sahu
- Raipur Zila Panchayat President Naveen Kumar Agrawal
- Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, Shahla Nigar
- Divisional Commissioner Shyam Dhawade
- Collector Gaurav Singh
- Public representatives, senior officials, social workers, Divyangjan and their family members
The Project Sahara programme in Raipur marks a significant step towards building an inclusive and empowered society where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, confidence and independence.
