Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has reaffirmed the Madhya Pradesh government’s commitment to social justice, equality, and empowerment for persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and other vulnerable sections. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Yadav called disability “the ultimate part of God,” adding that
“Serving them is equivalent to serving God.”
Key Announcements and Highlights:
- Divyang Welfare and Inclusion Prioritized
- CM Yadav directed that benefits be tailored to individual needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
- Identification camps to be organized to discover new beneficiaries and provide assistive aids and rehabilitation.
- Ongoing monitoring of welfare scheme implementation was emphasized.
Divyang Helpline Launched
A toll-free helpline (1800-233-4397) has been activated to help PwDs across the state.
Supported by the Aarushi organization, the helpline offers guidance and redressal of grievances.
Live Interpreter Services for Hearing-Impaired
In collaboration with the Deaf Cane Association, live interpreter services are now available to facilitate communication for the hearing impaired.
Paid Old Age Home in Bhopal to be Inaugurated Soon
A newly constructed paid old age home in Bhopal’s Patrakar Colony, built at a cost of ₹23.96 crore, will soon be inaugurated by CM Yadav.
Senior citizens will be able to reside here by paying a modest fee. The collected rent will support operational expenses via the Department’s account.
The model is inspired by successful examples from cities like Agra and Jaipur.
“Caring for the elderly is a sacred duty. We must also encourage NGOs and religious groups to participate,” said Dr. Yadav.
Major Progress in Disability Services:
UDID Cards and Pensions
9.57 lakh UDID (Unique Disability ID) cards have been issued, enabling direct access to government schemes.
₹339+ crore transferred monthly to 56 lakh pension beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Divyang Employment Drive
Over 2,500 PwDs have been employed in government services through a special recruitment campaign.
Under the Divyang Marriage Promotion Scheme, 11,294 couples have been supported in the last 10 years.
Rehabilitation and Health Infrastructure
Divyang Rehabilitation Centers are functional in all districts, offering services such as physiotherapy and therapeutic support for both PwDs and senior citizens.
Infrastructure and Digital Transformation
A mobile app has been launched for real-time inspection and monitoring of NGOs and government-run centers; 135 inspections completed so far.
Work has been digitized through e-office systems in 42 districts.
Officials are being trained under Mission Karmayogi via the iGOT platform.
Collaborations and Future Initiatives
MoUs signed with NGOs and institutions for elderly care and de-addiction services.
New sports promotion schemes for disabled athletes are in the pipeline.
Plans to replicate best practices from other states for leprosy and disability welfare are underway.
Leaders Present at the Meeting:
- Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment
- Anurag Jain, Chief Secretary
- Neeraj Mandloi, Additional Chief Secretary (CM Office)
- Manish Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance)
- Sonali Wayangankar, Principal Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment
Review
The review meeting underscored CM Yadav’s broader governance vision — “inclusive growth with compassion”. From personalized disability welfare to modern senior care facilities, the government is prioritizing social infrastructure to ensure dignity, self-reliance, and integration for every citizen, especially the most vulnerable.
