Today, on the occasion of International Divyang Diwas, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur presented state awards to 12 individuals working in various fields for the Divyang and their welfare. At the state-level event organized here today, Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development of Punjab, attended as the chief guest.
Addressing the event, the cabinet minister stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has initiated the process to fill 1200 reserved posts through direct recruitment in various departments with the aim of providing more employment opportunities to the Divyangs. Meanwhile, actions concerning 620 promoted posts are being expedited.
She emphasized that Divyang person should not consider themselves weak at any stage of life, as the Punjab government stands with them at every step. She further expressed that the divyang should not perceive themselves as incomplete, they can achieve great heights due to their morale.
The Cabinet Minister highlighted that the Punjab government is providing financial assistance of Rs 478.47 crore to 2,59,598 divyang beneficiaries in the state, including not only the divyang but also their children. She mentioned that the Blind School in Ludhiana has been upgraded to Class 12 and its infrastructure is being enhanced at a cost of Rs 1 crore 67 lakh.
Dr. Baljit Kaur shared that to promote the self-employment of the divyang, Punjab Schedule Caste Development Corporation has granted loans worth Rs 129.31 lakh under a total of 59 cases during the year 2022-23 and Rs 91.77 lakh under a total of 46 cases during the year 2023-24.
On this occasion, the State Award was presented for the excellent services rendered to improve the living standards of the divyang, including Harcharan Singh, Dr. Teavaspreet Kaur, Dr. Tapinder Jot, Ravinder Singh Sahota, Navjot Singh, Mata Gujri Welfare Center, Budhlada, Jaspreet Kaur, Narinder Singh. Additionally, Santosh Rani, Sukhdev Singh and their spouses were honored.
Present at the event were Additional Chief Secretary Social Security, Women and Child Development Raji P. Srivastava, Special Secretary Vimmi Bhullar, Additional Director Charanjit Singh Mann and Deputy Director Amarjit Singh Bhullar.