HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 127 : Model Answer

QUESTION: What initiatives have been taken by the government of Himachal Pradesh for the welfare of Differently-abled persons? (4 marks, 60 words)

 Answer. 

As per census 2011, the population of Differently-abled persons in Himachal Pradesh is around 2.27 percent. The following initiatives have been taken by the government which are as follows:

1. To provide skill training to the differently-abled, the government had set-up a special ITI at Sundernagar
2. Measures for integration with society through various schemes and policies: like Indira Gandhi National Specially Abled Pension, Navdharna scheme ,marriage grants and Specially ability Rehabilitation Centres, Sugamya Bharat campaign etc.
3. Education: A scholarship of Rs 625 to Rs 5,000 per month was being given to specially-abled students without any income criteria from class First to university level and special educational institutes set up in Sundernagar and Dhalli.
4. Supplementing Civil society efforts: The state government has provided a grant of Rs 146 lakh to NGOs working for upliftment of the differently-abled.

Attitudinal barriers and social stigma attached to disability must be changed through educational programs for both teachers and the general populace.