Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan chaired a series of district-level committee meetings at the Deputy Commissioner’s office auditorium to review the implementation of key welfare and social justice schemes in the district.
The meetings reviewed the functioning of committees constituted under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the National Trust Act, 1999, the Manual Scavengers Act, 2013, the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for Minority Welfare, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure transparent and serious implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level so that benefits reach deserving sections of society effectively.
Focus on Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
During the Disability Committee meeting, progress under the Himachal Pradesh Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2019, and the Accessible India Campaign was reviewed. Devgan emphasized that making government offices and public spaces accessible for persons with disabilities remains a top administrative priority.
He informed that construction of a lift at the Deputy Commissioner’s office is underway. A proposal to create separate waiting areas for persons with disabilities and women at the Mandi Bus Stand has also been forwarded to higher authorities.
The health department was instructed to complete pending UDID (Unique Disability ID) cards on a mission mode. Currently, 7,632 UDID cards have been issued, while 1,950 cases remain pending. In March alone, 20 medical boards were organized, issuing 661 medical certificates.
Legal Guardians Appointed for Disabled Children
Under the National Trust Act, legal guardians have been appointed for 92 children with disabilities in the district. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to expedite action in pending eligible cases. One additional case received approval during the meeting.
Review of Minority Welfare Schemes
Progress under the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for minority welfare was also reviewed. Officials presented updates on ICDS services, while departments were directed to generate maximum employment opportunities through the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Urban Livelihood Mission, and MGNREGA.
The Himachal Pradesh Minority and Finance Corporation has provided loan assistance worth ₹25 lakh in three cases.
Safety and Dignity of Sanitation Workers
During the meeting held under the Manual Scavengers Act, 2013, discussions focused on the safety and welfare of sanitation workers. Officials from urban local bodies and the rural development department were instructed to prepare a list of individuals involved in manhole cleaning.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that dumping waste removed from manholes in open areas is unacceptable and directed authorities to ensure safety equipment and service benefits are provided to all sanitation workers.
Review of Pending SC/ST Atrocity Cases
The District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee reviewed pending cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. A total of 133 cases are currently pending in various courts across the district.
The meetings were attended by Municipal Corporation Mayor Virendra Bhatt Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Gursimar Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu, Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour, SDM Rupinder Kaur, IAS officer Dr. Manu Verma, District Attorney Vinod Bhardwaj, District Welfare Officer Sameer, District Rural Development Officer Gopi Chand Pathak, District Health Officer Dr. Arindam Roy, and other officials and committee members.
