40.91 lakh accounts opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in U’khand: Athawale
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
More than 59.30 crore accounts have been opened across the country under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, including around 40.91 lakh accounts in Uttarakhand, Union minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said.
During a review meeting with officials of the Social Welfare department of Uttarakhand on Wednesday, he highlighted the progress of major Central welfare schemes at the national level as well as in Uttarakhand.
Apart from this, he inaugurated the first State-level mapping programme for children with Specific Learning Disability and Autism at ITI Doon Sanskriti School, Jhajra, Dehradun on Wednesday. The programme was organised under Uttarakhand State Divyang Child Campaign.
He said that under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, more than 60.27 crore loans have been sanctioned across the country, while around 36.87 lakh loans have been provided in Uttarakhand.
Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, more than 10.57 crore LPG connections have been issued across the country, including around 5.05 lakh connections in Uttarakhand. Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban, around one crore houses have been constructed across the country, including approximately 43,000 houses in Uttarakhand. More than 36.87 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the country, including around 56.73 lakh LED bulbs in Uttarakhand. As part of the Government’s efforts for senior citizens, 706 old-age homes have been constructed or funded across the country, while four centres in Uttarakhand have been provided assistance.
He also reviewed initiatives related to de-addiction centres and informed that 790 de-addiction centres have been established across the country. He reiterated that the Government is continuously working to strengthen social security, financial inclusion and welfare services for weaker sections.
At ITI Doon Sanskriti School, Athawale interacted with students and reviewed educational facilities for children with disabilities. Around 150 students from northeastern States and 67 students with disabilities are studying at the school in an inclusive academic environment.
He appreciated efforts being undertaken for education and empowerment of children with disabilities and assured all possible support from the Central Government. He also assured cooperation in seeking grants from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to strengthen the institution. He suggested another school could be started on campus and additional teachers could be provided.
“There are more than 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in the country and the government is committed to providing them opportunities in education, skill development, employment and social inclusion,” Athawale said.
He informed that around Rs 950 crore has been allocated for various initiatives related to persons with disabilities and emphasised the need to strengthen accessible infrastructure, education and essential support systems.
Athawale appreciated development work being undertaken in the State under chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership.
