Empowerment and Welfare of Divyaangjan in Uttar Pradesh

What are the major schemes for Empowerment and Welfare of Divyaangjan in Uttar Pradesh?

Approach: Give a constitutional background about the rights of Divyaangjan. In the body, discuss major schemes of the State government and the Central government for their empowerment and welfare. Conclude by highlighting their significance.

Article 41 of the Constitution upholds the rights of Divyangjans by directing the state to make provision for their access to work, education, and assistance, promoting inclusion and social welfare within their economic capacity.

Aligned with this vision, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented various schemes to empower and uplift Divyaangjan, catering to the needs of its over 41.57 lakh-strong population, as discussed:

1. The Nourishment Grant (Pension) Scheme provides ₹1,000 per month to destitute Divyaangjans.
2. To enhance bodily independence, the Grant Scheme provides up to ₹15,000 for purchasing or repairing artificial limbs and assistive devices..
3. The Leprosy Pension Scheme ensures social security by providing ₹3,000 per month to Divyaangjan disabled due to leprosy.
4. The Incentive Award Scheme encourages marriages involving Divyaangjan, offering ₹15,000 for grooms, ₹20,000 for brides, and ₹35,000 for disabled couples.
5. The Shop Construction & Operation Scheme provides ₹20,000 for shop construction and ₹10,000 for operation, supporting Divyangjan’s livelihood ensuring a sustainable income.
6. The Free Travel Scheme allows Divyaangjan seamless mobility on State Transport buses, with companions also traveling free for those with 80% or multiple disabilities.
7. A Braille Press in Nishatganj, Lucknow, publishes books for visually impaired students, supporting education and literacy in blind schools.

Apart from its own schemes, the UP Government also implements flagship Centrally Sponsored Schemes for Divyangjans.

1. With the enactment of the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act, 2016, the number of recognized disabilities increased from 7 to 21, ensuring broader inclusion.
2. The Unique Identity Card for Divyangjans ensures a national database and seamless access to benefits. For its promotion, bank accounts were opened in all 75 districts.Highest number of cards under the scheme have been generated in UP.
3. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on universal accessibility in infrastructure, transport, and communication.
4. The Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme offers affordable healthcare to Divyangjans ensuring health security. U P Government is bearing 10% of the shared cost-component.

This synergy accords a life of safety, dignity and respectability to the Divyangjan. Thus,  the UP Government envisions an inclusive society with equal opportunities and accessibility for Divyangjans. It aims to ensure their growth, development, and social mobility in lines with SUGAMYA BHARAT – Creating a Sashakt Bharat.