Bhubaneswar: The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Odisha, on Monday reviewed key issues related to the distribution of affordable housing and development of sports facilities for persons with disabilities (PwDs) during the latest edition of “Sakhyama – an Ability Talk” held in the capital city.
The meeting focused on two major themes—implementation of rural housing schemes for PwD beneficiaries and strengthening of infrastructure and support systems for para-athletes in the state—in line with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The session was organised in collaboration with the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department and the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha.
Founder of Radio Udaan, Danish Mahajan, participated virtually and highlighted recent developments and issues concerning the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
During the discussion, the SCPD noted that the Commission has been receiving multiple grievances from PwD associations and individuals regarding delays in allotment of houses under rural housing schemes despite repeated representations. Concerns were also raised over inadequate infrastructure support for para-athletes in rural areas and gaps in the timely provision of aids and appliances required for participation in national and international sporting events, including the Paralympics.
The Commissioner stated that the objective of the meeting was to identify bottlenecks in the implementation of welfare provisions under the RPwD Act and to explore actionable solutions to address them.
The Additional Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, provided an overview of housing allocation for PwD beneficiaries based on surveys conducted since 2011. She informed that beneficiaries have been covered under schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with door-to-door surveys also undertaken to identify households living in kutcha and thatched houses. She further said that provisions have been made for allotment of land to landless beneficiaries to facilitate house construction, and efforts are ongoing to ensure coverage of all eligible PwDs as per Government of India guidelines.
The Additional Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, said that para-athletes who have achieved success at national and international levels, including the Paralympics, are being recognised with awards for their performance. She added that the government is working to strengthen sports infrastructure at the district level to support training for para-athletes and improve their participation in competitive events. Efforts are also underway to enhance funding for sports hostels and physical education institutions to promote inclusive sports development.
The CDO-cum-CEO, Zilla Parishad, Khurda, outlined the implementation of rural housing schemes such as PMAY(G) and Antyodaya Gruha Yojana in the district. He said the district administration remains committed to ensuring housing for eligible beneficiaries, including landless PwDs, through land allocation and construction support.
Participants at the meeting also raised suggestions for improving service delivery and ensuring timely resolution of issues faced by persons with disabilities.
Officials from various departments, including Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Sports & Youth Services, SSEPD Department, district administration, and sports offices from Khurda and Cuttack, along with sports personnel and other stakeholders, participated in the meeting.
A total of around 45 members attended the session, which concluded with a vote of thanks by the OSD to SCPD.