Jaipur, Aug 8 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday said that differently-abled persons are an integral part of society and their equal participation is essential in building an inclusive
and sensitive social order, according to a statement.
Addressing the 'Vishesh Yogyajan Behan Samman Diwas' function here, Sharma said the state government is working with commitment to empower the differently-abled, keeping them at the centre of various initiatives.
"Our government is working to realise the concept of 'Antyodaya' envisioned by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar," he said, urging people to help the needy while upholding the spirit of integral humanism and civic duties.
Extending greetings for Raksha Bandhan, the chief minister said the festival symbolises the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, strengthening trust, affection and a sense of protection.
Sharma said the government has recently introduced the 'Equal Opportunity Policy 2025' for persons with disabilities, increased assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500 for the birth of the first child, and to Rs 10,000 for pregnant women with disabilities.
"The monthly pension for widows, single women and differently-abled persons has been raised to Rs 1,250,' he said.
Later in the day, a large number of women from Jaipur tied rakhis on Sharma's wrist at the chief minister's residence.
Sharma said that the sacred thread carries the love, affection and blessings of sisters, which give him greater strength to work.
The women thanked the chief minister for various schemes being run for women's empowerment in the state and sang traditional Raksha Bandhan folk songs, a release said. PTI SDA HIG
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