Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Class Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kashyap, has directed officials to expedite the scrutiny of applications received for the state-level awards recognising persons with disabilities and individuals and institutions making outstanding contributions to the sector.
Chairing a review meeting in Lucknow, Kashyap said the state government was implementing several schemes to bring persons with disabilities into the mainstream of development. He emphasised that the awards were intended to recognise achievements, encourage excellence and boost the confidence of persons with disabilities.
The state-level awards cover 12 categories and 30 subcategories. Kashyap instructed officials to complete the scrutiny of applications at the earliest. For categories that have not received applications, he directed district officers for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and district magistrates to encourage eligible candidates to apply. He stressed that no award category should remain vacant due to a lack of applications.
The minister said adequate funds had been allocated for the awards and called for their proper utilisation. He noted that the prize amount, which was earlier ₹5,000, had been increased to ₹25,000 by the present government.
The awards recognise outstanding employees and self-employed persons with disabilities, employers providing opportunities to them, placement officers and agencies, individuals and institutions working for their welfare, and people serving as sources of inspiration. Other categories include innovative research and product development for improving the lives of persons with disabilities, creation of barrier-free environments, district-level rehabilitation services, creative adults and children with disabilities, Braille presses, outstanding sportspersons with disabilities, and government officials and employees contributing to their empowerment.
The minister directed senior officials to complete all formalities related to the award distribution ceremony within the stipulated time. He said eligible persons with disabilities, employers and individuals or organisations making significant contributions to the sector should receive due recognition. He also cautioned against any administrative lapses or disorganisation during the process.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the programmes to be organised on December 3 to mark World Disability Day, which will be attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Kashyap instructed officials to prepare an action plan well in advance and ensure its effective implementation, stressing that no negligence or delay would be tolerated.
Those present at the meeting included Rajesh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Asmita Lal, Director, Backward Class Welfare Department; Amit Singh, Joint Director; and Amit Rai, Deputy Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, along with other senior officials.
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