CM Dhami interacts with senior citizens and Divyangs in Dehradun

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami interacts with senior citizens and Divyangjans under the Mukhya Sevak Samvad program here in Dehradun on Thursday. During interaction CM has also announced a series of welfare measures to enhance their lives.

On the occasion, CM also launched the software for the Divyang Shadi Anudan and National Family Benefit Scheme, besides releasing the fifth installment of pensions under various social welfare schemes through online payment.

Chief Minister announced that the incentive grant for marriages involving Divyang youths will be increased from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. Further, the income limit for scholarships to Divyang students from Class 1 to 8 has been abolished, ensuring wider access to education. He also said that one old age home would be established in each district of the state.

Highlighting the importance of direct communication, Dhami said, “Many policies are made at the government level, but their true impact is felt only when they reach people transparently and honestly. Beneficiaries should feel that the government is working to ease their lives.”

The Chief Minister also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in empowering Divyang citizens, recalling his decision to replace the term “Viklang” with “Divyang” to instill dignity and self-respect.

Currently, the state provides pensions to over 96,000 disabled individuals. Of these, more than 86,000 above the age of 18 receive ₹1,500 per month, while over 8,000 children below 18 get ₹700 per month for maintenance. Additionally, pensions of ₹1,200 are being given under the Teelu Rauteli Pension Scheme for those disabled in agricultural work and to people with dwarfism.

Dhami emphasized that the newly launched software will ensure greater transparency and faster delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries under the Divyang Vivah Protsahan Yojana.

Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLAs Khajan Das and Savita Kapoor, Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, and senior officials of the Social Welfare Department were present at the program.