In a significant push to enhance social welfare delivery, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kashyap, issued clear directives to department officials on Tuesday. He emphasized the critical need to ensure that all government welfare initiatives reach the very last eligible person in society.
Focus on Empowerment, Not Just Assistance
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Lucknow, Minister Kashyap outlined the philosophy driving the state government's efforts. He stated that the policies of the Yogi Adityanath government are designed not merely to provide temporary aid but to achieve the sustainable empowerment of the most marginalized individuals. The minister stressed that the ultimate goal is to uplift the last person in the social and economic chain.
Strengthening Higher Education and Outreach
A major focus of the discussions was on improving access to higher education for students with disabilities. Kashyap instructed officials to organize extensive awareness programs, workshops, and publicity campaigns at the divisional level. The aim is to connect as many eligible students as possible to universities and higher education opportunities.
Furthermore, he directed authorities to take concrete steps to enhance the academic quality and infrastructure in universities dedicated to persons with disabilities. To ensure effective implementation and timely progress, the minister mandated regular review meetings at the district level. He also asked officials to coordinate closely with District Magistrates (DMs) to expedite all pending work.
Key Beneficiary Data for 2025-26 Unveiled
During the meeting, officials presented detailed projections for the upcoming financial year 2025-26, highlighting the massive scale of the state's welfare outreach:
- 72,690 beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the marriage grant scheme.
- 12.7 lakh (1.27 million) students will receive assistance under various scholarship schemes.
- Targets have been set for skill development, with 25,588 trainees for 'O' Level and 9,304 for 'CCC' computer training courses.
The review also shed light on the current reach of several ongoing schemes:
- 11.8 lakh (1.18 million) persons with disabilities (PwD) are currently receiving monthly disability pensions.
- 13,357 beneficiaries are availing the leprosy pension.
- A staggering 16.9 lakh (1.69 million) PwD individuals have benefited from the free bus travel scheme across Uttar Pradesh.
Minister Kashyap's directives underscore the state administration's intensified focus on granular implementation and accountability. By pushing for district-level reviews and stronger academic institutions for the disabled, the government aims to translate policy promises into tangible, life-changing outcomes for millions of beneficiaries.
