Pune: Maharashtra to Allocate Separate Budget for Disabled Citizens, Announces Finance Minister Ajit Pawar

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Chinchwad, 17th January 2025: With the aim of empowering people with disabilities by integrating them into mainstream society, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Divyang Bhavan have organized the ‘Purple Jallosh’ program. Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar was present today to inaugurate the event, which will continue for the next three days. During the event, Pawar announced that for the first time, a separate budget will be allocated for persons with disabilities in Maharashtra.

The ‘Purple Jallosh’ event will continue for three days starting today. For its first day, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar was present to inaugurate it. He was joined by Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Rajesh Agarwal, along with heads of local civic bodies including Shekhar Singh, Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, and Yogesh Mhase. Pimpri MLA Anna Bansode, MLCs Uma Khapare and Amit Gorakhe also attended. Social activist Manav Kamble joined as well. “Taare Zameen Par” fame Darsheel Safary, advocating for persons with disabilities, was also present.

Speaking at the event, Ajit Pawar said that 5% of the total population has disabilities. He mentioned that a district-wise survey is ongoing to determine their total number. Pawar stated that obtaining these numbers will facilitate decision-making. Praising and encouraging people with disabilities, he further said they have immense potential, and with adequate support, they can reach the peak of success.

Pawar continued, saying that in March, the budget for Maharashtra State will be announced. At that time, for the first time, a budget will be separately allocated for persons with disabilities. A fixed percentage will be announced for them in all 36 districts of Maharashtra. He also asked Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Rajesh Agarwal to focus on Maharashtra.

While introducing the program, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh provided information about various schemes implemented by PCMC for people with disabilities as well as the Divyang Bhavan. Manav Kamble, as a representative of the disabled community, expressed his views and raised some issues to Ajit Pawar. Pawar promised him that he would look into them and work towards solving them.

Sassoon and Sub-District Hospitals to Distribute Disability Certificates

Currently, Pune’s major Sassoon General Hospital does not distribute disability certificates for persons with disabilities. Additionally, even the Sub-District Hospitals do not issue them. A disability certificate enables persons with disabilities to access various benefits, concessions, and rights provided by government schemes and programs. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, “Currently, certificates are being given to people with disabilities at Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital in Pimpri. Certificates will also be given at Sassoon Hospital. Necessary instructions will be given to issue certificates to people with disabilities at the sub-district hospitals as well.”