Divyangjans in Jharkhand Welcome Budget Schemes, Call for Tangible Implementation
In Ranchi, the divyangjan community across Jharkhand expressed cautious optimism on Sunday following Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget announcement introducing two new schemes aimed at their empowerment. While welcoming the initiatives, community leaders emphasized that the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyangjan Sahara Yojana must translate into concrete actions rather than remaining mere paper proposals.
Budget Proposals for Livelihood and Assistive Devices
During her budget speech for the 2026-27 financial year, Sitharaman outlined plans to enhance livelihood opportunities for divyangjans by focusing on employment in key sectors. The strategy includes:
- Providing industry-relevant and customized training tailored to specific disability groups.
- Targeting employment in information technology (IT), AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics) sectors, as well as hospitality and food and beverages industries.
- Ensuring timely access to high-quality assistive devices through the Divyang Sahara Yojana for all eligible individuals.
Community Concerns and Demands
Arun Kumar Singh, president of the Jharkhand Viklang Manch, acknowledged the government's initiative but highlighted persistent challenges. He pointed out that despite previous skill development programs, many trained individuals have yet to secure employment opportunities. Singh stressed the absence of quota provisions for divyangjans in the private sector, urging the government to address this gap to ensure meaningful job placements.
Singh also drew attention to demographic and welfare disparities, noting that Jharkhand is home to over 7 lakh divyangjans according to the 2011 census. However, only approximately 2 lakh individuals receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000, which is significantly lower than pensions in many other states. He advocated for a uniform pension scheme across the country to provide equitable financial support to all divyangjans.
Broader Context and Expectations
The budget announcement comes amid broader discussions on disability rights and inclusion in India. Community members hope that the new schemes will not only offer training and assistive devices but also foster an inclusive environment that addresses systemic barriers to employment and social participation. The emphasis is on moving beyond symbolic gestures to achieve tangible outcomes that improve the quality of life for divyangjans.
As implementation details unfold, stakeholders in Jharkhand and beyond will closely monitor the rollout of these schemes, advocating for transparency, accountability, and effectiveness to ensure that the promises made in the budget translate into real-world benefits for the divyangjan community.
