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In a significant move to support persons with disabilities, Punjab’s Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Tuesday announced free travel facilities for aides of visually impaired individuals on Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses. The announcement was made during a state-level event held at Nehru Stadium, Faridkot, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Minister, the chief guest at the event, reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to the holistic development of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. She highlighted the government’s efforts to provide equitable opportunities by implementing reservation quotas in jobs across government and private sectors. “The government is not only creating opportunities but ensuring their fair implementation,” she stated.
She emphasized that the government is organizing special employment camps to facilitate job placements for persons with disabilities. These camps, involving private companies, aim to match candidates with suitable roles. Additionally, she announced that mates under MGNREGA would now be appointed according to reserved quotas for persons with disabilities.
Education also remains a priority, with the government providing scholarships worth Rs 3.37 crore to 12,607 disabled students in the fiscal year 2023-24.
The Minister detailed the financial aid distributed under the State Pension Scheme, amounting to Rs 278.17 crore for 265,694 individuals in 2024-25. She also highlighted the 50 percent fare subsidy for persons with disabilities on state buses, which benefitted over 7.5 lakh individuals in 2023-24 at a cost of Rs 2.19 crore.
The free travel for aides of visually impaired individuals marks another step towards inclusivity. “This notification will be issued soon, reflecting our commitment to creating a barrier-free environment for all,” she added.
The event celebrated outstanding employees, employers, athletes, and organizations contributing to the welfare of persons with disabilities. Awardees received Rs 10,000 and certificates for their contributions. MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon praised the government’s initiatives, noting the exceptional talents displayed by differently-abled children during the cultural performances.
