Maharashtra Government Unveils AI-Powered Divyang Sahayak Portal
In a significant move towards digital empowerment, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal on Sunday in Pune. This integrated, AI-enabled platform, developed by the Maharashtra Divyang Kalyan department, aims to revolutionize welfare delivery for persons with disabilities across the state.
Streamlining Access to Disability Benefits
The portal consolidates information about all schemes for persons with disabilities on a single digital platform. Beneficiaries can now apply for welfare programs from the comfort of their homes and track their applications in real time, eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices.
"The Divyang Sahayak Portal will help accelerate digital empowerment of PwDs and make service delivery simple and transparent," stated Chief Minister Fadnavis during the launch ceremony.
Technological Innovation for Empowerment
Divyang Kalyan Secretary Tukaram Mundhe emphasized the portal's comprehensive nature, describing it as "the one-stop website for availing anything under this department." He highlighted how the platform will help eliminate middlemen while ensuring proper tracking of benefits distributed.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence represents a major technological advancement. "The use of AI through an integrated portal is a major step towards the empowerment of PwDs," Mundhe explained. "Services will now be available at their fingertips or through voice notes."
Enhanced Transparency and Accessibility
The initiative promises to significantly improve government accountability while building trust among all stakeholders. All services, schemes, and benefits will be accessible through this single portal, removing the necessity for in-person office visits or meetings with officials.
While Census data estimates approximately 29 lakh persons with disabilities in Maharashtra, only about 14 lakh are currently registered with the department, indicating substantial potential for expanded outreach through this digital platform.
Simplified Administrative Procedures
Officials revealed that general administrative procedures have been streamlined through Business Process Re-engineering. The portal implements a three-tier workflow system:
- Persons with disabilities must first create a personalized profile on the platform
- The system then automatically displays all eligible schemes based on individual profiles
- Approval levels have been capped at three to minimize bureaucratic delays
This structural simplification, combined with AI integration, positions the Divyang Sahayak Portal as a model for efficient, transparent welfare delivery that could potentially be replicated in other states across India.
