The government is committed to the empowerment of persons with disabilities – Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today attended the Deepawali Milan Samaroh organized by the Chhattisgarh Cement Transport Welfare Association at a private hotel in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, the Chief Minister shared the joy of Diwali with underprivileged children with disabilities. He said that the State Government is fully committed to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. He also announced that a fully equipped park for the differently-abled will be constructed on 5 acres of land in Raipur.

Chief Minister Shri Sai warmly interacted with the children with disabilities and extended his heartfelt Diwali greetings to them. Children studying at Komalvani and Arpan Divyang Institutions presented a beautiful performance in sign language before the Chief Minister and other guests. The Chief Minister enthusiastically repeated their gestures and learned words like “Good Morning” and “Good Afternoon” in sign language.

The Chief Minister said that commendable work is being done in the state for the welfare of persons with disabilities. Artificial limbs are being provided free of cost, and loan facilities are being made available to help them become self-reliant through self-employment. He added that Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Khatik, had earlier announced the construction of a Divyang Park in Raipur, and now a fully equipped Divyang Park will be developed on 5 acres of land.

Chief Minister Shri Sai appreciated the Chhattisgarh Cement Transport Welfare Association for organizing the Diwali Milan event with differently-abled children. He said that the Association is excellently fulfilling its social responsibility through public service initiatives. Earlier, the Association had also provided an ambulance for patients, which has benefitted many needy people.

The Chief Minister further said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the formation of Chhattisgarh, which we are celebrating as the Silver Jubilee Year. It is a matter of pride that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rajyotsav this year. Prime Minister Modi has set the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. Moving in that direction, we must take a pledge to build a developed Chhattisgarh. For this purpose, the State Government has prepared a Developed Chhattisgarh Vision Document, and with everyone’s cooperation, we will definitely achieve this goal.

The Chief Minister mentioned that road connectivity in the state is continuously expanding, significantly improving connectivity. Under the Bharatmala Project, the construction of the Raipur–Visakhapatnam and Raipur–Dhanbad routes is progressing rapidly.

Former Governor of Maharashtra and Tripura, Shri Ramesh Bais, said that he had served as a member of the Standing Committee on Social Justice in Parliament for persons with disabilities. The committee conducted an extensive study before the passage of the Disability Bill. After the Bill was passed, the facilities available to the disabled increased threefold. As a Governor, he had the opportunity to visit institutions working for persons with disabilities. He remarked that ordinary people often fail to understand the challenges faced by them.

Addressing the gathering, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that this year, due to a reduction in GST rates, the Diwali festival was celebrated even more grandly. He added that former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee created the state of Chhattisgarh, whose Silver Jubilee we are celebrating today.

Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma said that under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the planned development of Chhattisgarh is progressing steadily. With everyone’s cooperation, the dream of a developed Chhattisgarh will be realized.

Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb said that celebrating Diwali with persons with disabilities reflects a noble mindset. Happiness grows when shared, and it is heartening to see that the Association is actively engaged in social service and inspiring others to contribute as well.

Before the Chief Minister, Divyang artist Shri Gokarn Patil, who paints using his feet, showcased his remarkable talent. The Chief Minister praised his art and encouraged him. During the event, the Chief Minister also distributed warm clothes to children with disabilities.

On this occasion, MLA Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, Raipur Mayor Smt. Meenal Chaubey, Chhattisgarh Cement Transport Welfare Association President Shri Anjay Shukla, other office bearers, children from Komalvani and Arpan Divyang Institutions, and several dignitaries were present.