Divyang survey plan yet to get Maharashtra govt nod

PUNE: A proposal from the Disability Commissionerate to conduct a district-wise detailed survey to know the actual number of differently-abled or divyang in the state is pending before the state government.
The last census in 2011 estimated 29 lakh differently-abled people in Maharashtra. Officials said that as 12 years have passed, a survey is necessary to ascertain their actual number in the state.
"We submitted the proposal for a district-wise survey by each collector, who is also the district divyang committee head. However, the government is yet to give the go-ahead," said a senior official from the Disability Commissionerate's office.
The old data has not been of help in implementing the schemes, said activists. A divyang ministry was formed in December last year under the chief minister to execute schemes for the disabled. Experts said proper execution of welfare schemes cannot be carried out without knowing the exact number of differently-abled.
Rahul Deshmukh, founder president of the National Association for the Welfare of Physically Challenged, said, "We have been demanding that a proper survey should be carried out to know the exact number of differently-abled people," he said."A detailed survey is necessary to ensure that welfare schemes reach the actual beneficiary," an official said.