Maharashtra: First State to Set Up Divyang department

The state government of Maharashtra recently approved the formation of a separate government department for the divyang (differently abled). The announcement of this development came on the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons. This comes after 20 years of demand for a separate department for the welfare and security of differently abled people.

About Maharashtra Government’s Divyang Department

• Maharashtra is the first state in India to set up a separate department for Divyang (differently-abled).
• This department is established to serve the physically and mentally disabled people in the state both educationally and professionally.
• It seeks to ensure the welfare of the Divyangs and effectively implement various government schemes targeting them.
• As many as 2,063 posts have been created in the new department and a total outlay of Rs.1,143 crores is provided for it.
• Earlier, all complaints and issues related to differently-abled people came under the jurisdiction of Social Justice Department headed by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• All sections looking into the concerns of differently-abled people under the Social Justice and Special Assistance department will be clubbed together to form the Divyang department.
• All schemes implemented for the divyangs will be brought under one roof. Earlier, they are routed through the social justice and welfare department.
• Currently, the state has over 2.5 crore differently abled people. The new department will help them in the areas of education, jobs, scholarship, health, travel and rehabilitation.
• It is expected to hire some 2,000 special trainers for different disabilities.

About International Day of Disabled Persons

The UNGA adopted a resolution establishing the International Day of Disabled Persons in 1992. This day is observed every year on December 3 to raise global awareness about issues and challenges faced by people with disabilities. It seeks to ensure the dignity, rights and general welfare of persons with disabilities. The theme for this year’s International Day of Disabilities is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.”

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2022

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs