Government will act as a guiding force in fulfilling the dreams of persons with disabilities
Dignity, self-reliance and equal opportunities will empower persons with disabilities: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma
CM interacts with youth with disabilities; honours sportspersons and social workers
Jaipur, October 2026 : Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday said that the flight of courage and determination is never limited by physical disabilities. With firm resolve, the desire to achieve something meaningful and consistent efforts, no goal is impossible to accomplish.
He said the state government was working towards empowering persons with disabilities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s core mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’. The government is committed to building a Rajasthan where every person with a disability receives dignity, self-reliance and equal opportunities.
The Chief Minister was addressing an interaction programme with youth with disabilities under the theme ‘Dreams Can Soar – Nothing Is Impossible’. He said India was among the youngest countries in the world and its youth were its greatest asset. Young people possess energy, new ideas, the passion to innovate and the courage to turn the impossible into reality. He urged them to move forward with confidence and determination, assuring them that the state government would stand by them as a partner in fulfilling their dreams.
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan has ensured a life of dignity for persons with disabilities
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had always demonstrated sensitivity and respect towards persons with disabilities. In keeping with this approach, the Prime Minister introduced the term ‘Divyang’ for persons with disabilities, enhancing their dignity in society and recognising their contributions.
He said the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, launched at the Prime Minister's initiative, had helped persons with disabilities lead lives of dignity and prosperity. The number of recognised categories of disabilities had also been increased from seven to 21.
Equal Opportunity Policy 2025 implemented; 2.71 lakh UDID cards issued
Sharma said the state government had implemented the Equal Opportunity Policy, 2025, for persons with disabilities. As many as 2.71 lakh Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards had been issued. In addition, the Anuja Nigam had provided self-employment loans to 7,000 people belonging to various categories, including persons with disabilities.
He said the monthly mess allowance for residents of institutions catering to persons with disabilities had been increased to Rs 3,250. To provide financial support, social security pensions of Rs 1,350 per month were being given to 5.5 lakh beneficiaries.
The government had distributed 2,500 scooters to persons with disabilities during the previous year and 44,000 assistive devices over the past two years.
Inspired by the Prime Minister's confidence in the potential of young people, the state’s double-engine government had introduced a new Youth Policy and a new Employment Policy, he said.
To provide employment opportunities to the youth, more than 410 examinations had been conducted with complete transparency. Government appointments had been made against 1.93 lakh posts, while recruitment for 1.18 lakh posts was under way. The recruitment process for more than 70,000 additional posts would begin shortly, he added.
3.70 lakh young people provided skill training
The Chief Minister said employment opportunities had been provided to five lakh young people in the private sector. So far, the state government had imparted skill training to 3.70 lakh youth.
Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Sambal Yojana, Rs 1,643 crore had been distributed among four lakh beneficiaries.
The state had also established 21 new government polytechnic colleges and 76 new government colleges. The government had so far constructed buildings for 220 government colleges.
Nayi Kiran de-addiction centres established; sports academies operating at district headquarters
Sharma said Nayi Kiran de-addiction centres had been established in 305 colleges to protect young people from substance abuse.
To transform young people from job seekers into job creators, the government had created a startup-friendly ecosystem. More than 5,000 startups had been registered in the state, and 65 iStart Launchpad Nests had been established.
He said 17 new Khelo India Centres had been launched to promote a sporting culture in Rajasthan. Sports academies were operating at 41 district headquarters under the ‘One District, One Sport’ scheme. The Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme had also been implemented to provide support and facilities to sportspersons.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed that nothing was impossible for the youth of India. When young people are empowered with capability, self-respect, self-reliance, facilities and resources, every goal becomes achievable.
He said young sportspersons from Rajasthan had brought laurels to the state at the recently held Para Asian Games. Several young persons with disabilities had also achieved success in administrative services through their hard work and determination.
Sportspersons and contributors to disability empowerment honoured
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured Mona Agarwal, Srishti Arora and Krishna Nagar for bringing recognition to Rajasthan through their achievements in sports. He also felicitated Padma Bhushan awardee D.R. Mehta for his significant contribution to the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
During the programme, the Chief Minister assured that necessary action would be taken regarding the regularisation of para-athletes appointed in the Forest Department.
Visually impaired IAS trainee Manu Garg shared his views on the importance of self-confidence and consistent hard work while preparing for the civil services. Paralympic medal-winning shooter Mona Agarwal spoke about her experiences and struggles.
Former IAS officer and founder of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, D.R. Mehta, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts by the government and institutions to make persons with disabilities self-reliant.
National para-fencing player Sunita Kumari from Udaipur and social worker Sajjan Khan from Jaisalmer also shared their experiences through video conferencing.
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary for Social Justice and Empowerment Dinesh Kumar, other departmental officials and a large number of young people with disabilities attended the programme. Young participants from various districts also joined through video conferencing.
