Dehradun witnessed a strong push for disability empowerment as Union Minister BL Verma announced on Sunday the Modi government’s fortified efforts to integrate persons with disabilities via targeted welfare measures.
During the 30th Divya Kala Mela opening at Rangers Ground, Verma spotlighted Rs 375 crore for ALIMCO’s assistive device programs, promising widespread accessibility enhancements.
DEPwD Director Pradeep A. positioned the mela as a vital connector for disabled ventures to markets, loans, and jobs, with active camps for registrations, awareness, and hiring.
Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh advocated AI-driven innovations as equalizers, free of prejudice, and pushed for international marketing of disabled-crafted goods from the fair.
He celebrated the unyielding spirit enabling triumphs across domains, viewing the mela as a dynamic stage amplifying economic roles of the differently-abled in India’s ascent.
MP Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah hailed it as an empowerment engine and social reformer, applauding governmental nationalization efforts in Uttarakhand. Paralympic feats underscored opportunity’s fruits.
MLA Khajan Das endorsed the initiative for respect, chances, and self-assurance pivotal to inclusion.
The series’ legacy: 2,362 participants across 29 events generated Rs 23 crore business; Rs 20 crore loans approved; 3,131 job seekers, 1,007 selected, 313+ placed—clear markers of sustained resolve.