‘Many policies formulated for welfare of divyangjans’
Narendra Modi
December 3 is a very important day. On this day, we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is a day to salute the courage, determination and achievements of persons with disabilities.
For India, this day is sacred. Respect for divyangjan is deeply embedded in our cultural ethos. Our scriptures and ancient texts teach us to respect everyone and their innate potential.
This year, the occasion is even more special as we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution. Our Constitution inspires us to work for equality and to reach the person at the last mile.
Inspired by the values enshrined in our Constitution, we have laid a strong foundation for the progress of divyangjan over the past 10 years. In this period, numerous policies have been formulated, and several significant decisions have been taken for their welfare.
These decisions illustrate that our government is guided by the values of inclusion, sensitivity and commitment to all-round development.
After becoming PM, I have worked to transform this spirit of service into a national mission. One of our first actions in 2014 was to replace the term “Viklang” with “Divyang”. This was not merely a change in terminology; it ensured their dignity and recognised their contributions.
Every year, numerous programmes are organised across the country to mark Divyang Diwas. I still remember that nine years ago, on this day, we launched the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. Over the years, the way this initiative has empowered divyangjan fills me with immense satisfaction.
The policies of previous governments often left divyangjan lagging in accessing opportunities for government jobs and higher education. We changed that scenario. Reservation policies were reformed and over the past 10 years, the expenditure on the welfare of divyangjan has been tripled.
I have witnessed the immense potential of young divyangjan in India. The honour our athletes have brought to the nation in the Paralympics reflects this incredible energy. To channel this energy into driving the nation’s progress, we have connected our Divyang friends with skill development programmes, aiding their potential to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth.
The core principle of our government is to ensure that the lives of my Divyang brothers and sisters are easier, more convenient, and dignified. It was with this spirit that we implemented the Persons with Disabilities Act. This historic legislation expanded the definition of disability from 7 to 21 categories.
I firmly believe that when we celebrate 100 years of Independence in 2047, our divyangjan will stand as a source of inspiration for the entire world. Let us resolve today to work toward this goal.
