- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a move aimed at making Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) self-reliant, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to extend reservation for them in shops and kiosks constructed under various urban development schemes. The directive applies to all future commercial spaces built under Municipal Corporations and Nagar Panchayats across the state.
The announcement was made during a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Backward Classes Welfare, Narendra Kashyap, held at the Assembly office on Tuesday. He directed officials of the Municipal Corporations and the State Urban Development Authority (SUDA) to ensure that shops under the rehabilitation scheme are allotted to Divyangjan on a priority basis.
As per official data shared in the meeting, during the financial year 2025–26, a total of 199 Divyang beneficiaries have received assistance under the Shop Construction and Operation Scheme, with an expenditure of Rs 19.90 lakh. Additionally, 766 applications have been received at the district level and are currently under review, with allotments expected to be completed soon.
The minister also proposed that a new scheme be jointly developed by the Municipal Corporation and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under which dedicated commercial spaces would be constructed specifically for Divyangjan in urban areas. He stressed that allotments must be made according to the existing reservation policy, and widespread publicity should be undertaken to inform eligible beneficiaries.
During the broader review of welfare schemes, Minister Kashyap directed officials to ensure that all benefits reach the intended recipients in a timely and transparent manner.
Key points from the review included:
-16,000 Divyang beneficiaries identified under the Artificial Limb Scheme must receive their assistive devices promptly.
-Pending applications under the Divyang Person Incentive Award Scheme should be processed without delay.
-Immediate action should be taken on Surgery Grant Scheme applications, including budget approval.
-The deadline for applications to the Computer Training Scheme is 14 July, and it should be widely publicised.
-74,000 applications under the Marriage Grant Scheme should be resolved at the earliest.
-Timely disbursal of funds under Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Schemes must be ensured.
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The minister reiterated that effective outreach and publicity are essential to make welfare schemes accessible to every eligible person with disability in the state.