Attempting to help physically challenged people (Divyangs), the Uttar Pradesh government will provide motorised tricycles to 100 such persons in each district of the state.

An announcement in this regard was made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at a function on the occasion of International Day of Disabled Persons in Lucknow on Friday.

“Our government works with a motto to uplift and empower the specially-abled people. We strive for developing their talent and channelise their energies towards nation-building. We are working on a war footing to provide motorised tricycles to 100 Divyangjans in every district,” Yogi said while honouring meritorious students of special schools, specially-abled people and organisations working for the empowerment of the specially-abled people at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University on Friday.

The chief minister also distributed assistive devices to the specially-abled people.

Yogi urged the organisations working for the empowerment of 'Divyangjans' to show sensitivity by joining this work of virtue so that the benefits of the government schemes reach as many people as possible.

Referring to 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer Surdas, English theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author Stephen William Hawking and Sage Ashtavakra, the chief minister said that every ‘divyang’ must get an opportunity to exercise their special talents.

Extending his greeting to the children and people who were feted, Yogi said, “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Tokyo Paralympic athletes have proved that nothing can stop you if you are determined. Our athletes never let their physical disabilities stop them, instead, they made it their strength. It was their hard work and talent which made the country proud and India bagged 19 medals. The state government honoured all medal winners to encourage them. Success in Paralympics shows that if they are given even a little encouragement, they can give the benefit of their talent to the nation.”

“Prime Minister Modi has recognised the talent of the specially-abled closely. Since 2017, the government began by increasing the pension amount of the specially-abled people and provided all assistance in terms of ensuring availability of assistive devices to them and grants for marriage. The government also increased the category for disabled people from 7 to 21,” he said.

Minister for Backward Class Welfare and Divyangjan Empowerment, Anil Rajbhar, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.