- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 22 May 2025 12:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the influence of anarchist elements attempting to mislead students in institutions meant for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). He emphasised the need for strict vigilance to protect students from unwanted and anti-social activities, urging a thorough background check of any external organisation seeking to engage with such institutions.
Chairing a review meeting on Divyangjan Empowerment, the Chief Minister cited a case from Kanpur, where the disabled son of a businessman studying in Gurgaon was allegedly misled by a teacher from another religion and made to convert. "When the child returned home, his unusual behavior raised suspicions, and upon questioning, he revealed the entire incident," the Chief Minister said, noting that such incidents have occurred elsewhere as well.
In response, CM Yogi directed that Divyang Rehabilitation Centres be set up on a priority basis at all 18 divisional headquarters across the state, ensuring access to rehabilitation, education, and skill development services at the local level.
He called for the inspection and improvement of institutions such as Bachpan Day Care Centres, Mentally Retarded Ashray Kendras, Integrated Schools, and special schools like ‘Mamta’, ‘Sparsh’, and ‘Sanket’. Officials were instructed to interact directly with students and parents to understand their aspirations and improve facilities accordingly.
To address staffing shortages, CM Yogi ordered the immediate appointment of qualified youth in teaching roles through alternative arrangements until regular posts are filled. He also recommended giving preference to these temporary educators during future recruitments.
The Chief Minister launched a directive for a state-wide campaign to identify eligible Divyangjan who are not yet receiving pensions and to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries currently availing such benefits.
It was noted that in the previous financial year, over 35,000 Divyangjan were provided assistive devices including tricycles, wheelchairs, and Braille kits.
CM Yogi stressed that benefits from central government schemes should promptly reach eligible beneficiaries and urged MPs and MLAs to contribute to the Motorised Tricycle Scheme from their respective funds.
Highlighting the importance of skill development, the Chief Minister directed that priority be given to such courses at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University in Chitrakoot. He called for national-level promotion of these institutions to attract Divyangjan students from across India.
Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kumar Kashyap, was also present during the review meeting.
