Dungarpur and Sirohi Districts Awarded the National Divyangjan Empowerment Award 2024

New Delhi : On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, President Draupadi Murmu awarded the National Divyangjan Empowerment Award 2024 to the districts of Dungarpur and Sirohi in Rajasthan.

At a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the District Collectors of Dungarpur and Sirohi, Ankit Kumar Singh and Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, respectively, received the award from the President.

After receiving the award, Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, the Collector of Sirohi, mentioned that under the *Accessible India Campaign*, over 1,000 government buildings in the district were made accessible for persons with disabilities, including provisions for ramps and lifts. A door-to-door survey was conducted to identify persons with disabilities. He further shared that through the district administration’s initiative, over 5,900 disability certificates and 4,400 UDID cards were issued. Collaborations with NGOs and various departments ensured improved accessibility and awareness for the disabled community.

Ankit Kumar Singh, the District Collector of Dungarpur, shared that under the *No One Left Behind* campaign, the district administration provided pensions to 8,692 persons with disabilities, issued 5,100 UDID cards, and supported 1,057 persons with disabilities through 217 self-help groups. He also noted that under the MNREGA scheme, in 2023-24, 7,232 disabled individuals generated 2.5 lakh workdays and earned a wage of Rs. 4.6 crore.

Both district administrations’ efforts in the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities have set a new benchmark in reaching welfare programs to the disabled community.

It is noteworthy that these national awards are presented annually on December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to honor outstanding individuals and organizations working towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The awards aim to raise public awareness about issues related to disabilities and promote their inclusion in society.