In a significant development for the welfare and rights of divyang persons in Punjab, the Cabinet Sub-Committee convened a meeting with the representatives of Punjab Divyang Action Committee on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, aimed to address the legitimate demands of divyang individuals and find sympathetic resolutions.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur and Administrative Reforms and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal were also present at the meeting to engage with representatives of divyang associations. The discussion centered on a range of demands presented by the Punjab Divyang Action Committee, focusing on the welfare and facilities for divyang persons.

The government has already accepted many of the presented demands, and the representatives were assured that their concerns would receive positive consideration in the future. Notably, the cabinet sub-committee pledged to promptly address the backlog in job placements for divyang persons, with concrete actions already set in motion.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the officials to ensure the effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, in Punjab.

Emphasizing the Act's provisions, the Committee stressed the importance of providing due benefits, rights, and respect to divyang persons. The Act mandates that institutions reserve at least four percent of total vacancies for divyang persons, prohibiting discrimination against them, as well as women and children.

In addition, the cabinet sub-committee issued directives to Punjab Police and higher officials, urging them to take stringent action to prevent any persecution of divyang persons.