Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said aids and assistive devices for empowerment of ‘Divyangjan’ (specially-abled) and bringing them in the mainstream of society have always been one of the topmost priorities of the government, and such initiatives are fitting tribute to the ideals and values that our society stands for.
Sinha made these remarks as he inaugurated free artificial limbs and calipers distribution camp at SKUAST Jammu to mark birth centenary celebrations of Late Dr Uttam Chand Shastri.
LG appreciated the Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli, Kailakh Jyotish avim Vedic Sansthan Trust, Mahavir Seva Sadan and Abha Bagrodia Charitable Trust, Kolkata; SKUAST-Jammu and Central Sanskrit University, Ranbir Campus, Jammu for the remarkable, self-less and noble initiative, an official press release said.
The LG felicitated Dr Sanjay Sharma of GMC Jammu and Dr Vikas Padha of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super-speciality Hospital for their exemplary service and endeavour towards the noble cause of serving the people.
“Selfless efforts to help others in need are the true service of mankind. It is our primary responsibility to mobilize resources for the Divyangjan, create infrastructure and facilities to make them equal partners in the nation’s development journey,” said the LG.
Enlightened citizens of the society and voluntary organizations must come forward and complement the government’s efforts to provide succour to the sufferings of the people and contribute to the accessible India campaign, he added.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UT government is making dedicated efforts to bridge the gap between the aspirations of the citizens and the administrative delivery for the development of an inclusive society in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
“Last year, we decided to distribute a total of 4000 motorized tricycles to provide universal access, accessibility and a dignified life to the specially-abled across the UT. 1000 motorized tricycles were distributed in the first phase in the month of July this year and this has brought a paradigm shift in the lives of those 1000 beneficiaries. The government is committed to reach out to all those seeking assistance,” noted the LG.
“Divyangjan in J&K has been brought under the ambit of pension scheme. There was no integrated system for physically and mentally challenged people. For the first time, Jammu and Kashmir has been linked with the National Trust Portal so that they are given all the facilities and rights granted to them by the Central government,” added the LG.
The Social Welfare Department is implementing a comprehensive plan to reach out to the beneficiaries and a special enrolment campaign was launched. With the dedicated efforts, the number of beneficiaries receiving the pension benefits has doubled, Sinha observed.
“Our objective is to achieve 100 percent saturation of schemes for Divyangjan, women, senior citizens in the current financial year,” he added.
“The Central Government Act for the Welfare of the Senior Citizen which was not applicable in J&K prior to August 2019 has been implemented. Elderline helpline is meeting their needs and geriatric wards have also been started for the care of the elderly in all the district hospitals,” observed the LG.
“There has been an increase of 206 percent in the scholarship to the children of poor families as compared to 2018-19. Till 2018, only 9500 girl children got the benefit of Ladli Beti scheme. In three years, more than one lakh girl children have been linked with this program and Rs 150 crore has been transferred directly into their bank accounts.
“Earlier, financial assistance for marriage of poor girls were provided to 100-200 beneficiaries, but we have covered 9309 such beneficiaries in one year with overall financial assistance of Rs 37.15 crore,” the LG noted.
“Our ancient texts are a beacon of light for humanity. The source of our prosperous present and future is deeply rooted in Sanskrit scriptures. I convey my best wishes to Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan for social service and promotion of Sanskrit,” the LG said.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Adhokshajanad Dev Tirtji Maharaj, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the development works carried out by UT administration, especially for the promotion of Sanskrit. He also lauded the government’s arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra. Not only the government, but everyone should come forward to serve mankind, he added.
Prof J.P Sharma, VC SKUAST-Jammu, in his address, highlighted the initiatives taken by the university while discharging social responsibility.
Sham Lal Sharma, former minister, while complementing the organizers for the camp, said that this message should be conveyed to every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir so that the maximum number of needy persons can be helped.
Vinod Bagrodia, chairman, Mahavir Seva Sadan and Abha Bagrodia Trust Kolkata expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders for organizing the free artificial limbs and calipers distribution camp.
He further informed that a total of 130 beneficiaries received artificial limbs and calipers in the camp.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor JMC; Prof. Ravinder Kumar Sinha, VC, SMVDU; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Vivek Gupta, DIG; Shakti Pathak, Director SSF and Head Trustee Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan; Madan Mohan Jha, Director, Central Sanskrit University Jammu; KK Sharma, Director Agriculture, Jammu; Jitendra Dev Sharma, Trustee, Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan; Mahant Rohit Shastri, president, Shri Kailakh Jyotish Avim Vedic Sansthan Trust; Deepak Gupta, president Traders Federation Ware House Nehru Market, Jammu, senior officials and eminent citizens from all walks of life were present on the occasion.
