REACHING THE UNHEARD VOICES
In a remarkable display of inclusive governance and social commitment, the recent mass distribution of aids and appliances to persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and the disbursement of long-pending pension arrears to senior citizens under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) has brought renewed hope and dignity to thousands of lives in Jammu. This significant step by the Directorate of Social Welfare, under the aegis of centrally sponsored schemes—Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP)—marks a meaningful departure from token welfare to a more engaged and practical social empowerment model.
At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that Divyangjan are not just individuals in need of assistance but are a vital segment of society endowed with unique strengths, resilience, and perspectives. By distributing over 19,960 aids and appliances to nearly 6,000 beneficiaries across the Jammu Division and releasing pension arrears of Rs. 6.14 crore to 12,660 eligible recipients, the administration has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a fair, accessible, and compassionate system. The acknowledgement that every citizen, irrespective of ability or age, deserves equal rights and opportunities is not just a statement of intent but a visible action on the ground. What elevates the importance of this initiative is the administration’s decision to go beyond symbolic gestures. The launch of a 50-bedded Half-Way Home for psycho-social rehabilitation at Lower Chowadi demonstrates a holistic approach to mental health and disability management. This facility, built under the Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), is not just infrastructure—it is a sanctuary for those recovering from mental illness, a space to heal, regain confidence, and reintegrate into society. Such efforts are timely and necessary in a society where the stigma around mental health still lingers and where treated individuals often find themselves isolated and unsupported after institutional care. Equally noteworthy is the inauguration of the Parisha Child Care Institution for Girls at Mandi Gurglian, Samba, which represents a compassionate stride toward securing the futures of orphaned or abandoned girls. These interventions, when viewed collectively, reflect an administration that is increasingly responsive to the nuanced needs of the most vulnerable sections of society, placing human dignity at the core of its welfare framework. The success of these programmes, however, rests not only in their execution but in the underlying message they send—that systemic inequities, whether physical, digital, or social, must be dismantled with urgency and sincerity. It is encouraging to hear commitments aimed at removing accessibility barriers and integrating technology for better beneficiary outreach, such as the forthcoming mobile application that seeks to ensure no eligible senior citizen is left outside the social security net. If implemented efficiently, such tools can dramatically enhance transparency, accountability, and speed in delivery of welfare benefits. Moreover, the suggestion to develop a dedicated park for Divyangjan, tailored to their needs and comfort, offers a refreshing vision of inclusive urban planning—a model that can be emulated in other regions across the country. The emphasis on self-employment, skill development, and dignity of life further underscores the recognition that empowerment is not merely about assistance but about enabling self-reliance and participation in all spheres of society. These steps come at a time when inflationary pressures, post-pandemic realities, and shifting family structures have disproportionately impacted the elderly and differently-abled. Many in these groups have historically remained on the margins of economic development. The latest initiatives in Jammu serve as a template for what governance should ideally look like—compassionate, efficient, and inclusive. They demonstrate that real progress lies not only in mega infrastructure or GDP statistics but in how a society treats its weakest. The involvement of public representatives, civil society members, and NGOs in the distribution drive also speaks to the collaborative nature of this effort. When government and community come together, the impact multiplies. It is in this synergy that the future of social welfare must be rooted.
As the nation moves forward, it is imperative that such focused efforts continue and evolve, addressing the emerging needs of Divyangjan and the elderly through policy innovation, stakeholder participation, and empathetic implementation. It is not just about delivering services; it is about affirming the value of every life, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey of development. In that, this initiative from Jammu has not only uplifted beneficiaries—it has also lifted the collective moral conscience of society.
