Chandigarh, Nov 13: Punjab is pushing a broader agenda to empower persons with disabilities, combining financial support, employment, and mobility programs, officials said, marking a shift from welfare to inclusion.
Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state has launched a recruitment campaign to fill 1,754 vacant positions and 556 promotions under the Divyang quota across government departments. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said the initiative is aimed at providing self-reliance and ending decades of marginalization.
“Employment is the most direct route to independence for Divyangs,” Dr. Kaur said. “By addressing vacancies in government services, we are creating opportunities that were long denied.”
In addition to jobs, the government has invested ₹85 lakh to offer free bus travel for Divyangs and blind residents, easing daily mobility challenges. Officials said this enables beneficiaries to attend school, reach workplaces, and maintain social connections without financial strain.
Financial assistance has been a central pillar of the government’s efforts. Dr. Kaur said that as of now, ₹287.95 crore has been provided to 2.76 lakh eligible Divyangs, and the current fiscal year includes a ₹495-crore budget allocation for further programs.
“The objective is not just support but empowerment,” she said. “We are connecting Divyangs to mainstream society through skill development, employment opportunities, and accessible infrastructure.”
Officials highlighted that these steps are part of a broader framework that also includes sign language initiatives in government offices and the Legislative Assembly, making communication and participation accessible to all.
Experts said Punjab’s integrated approach could serve as a model for other states. “The state is demonstrating that genuine inclusion requires both policy and practical measures, not just announcements,” said one advocacy official familiar with disability programs.
