THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan revealed the state government’s intention to create a sports academy catering specifically to the differently abled community. Speaking at an event organized as part of Mukhamukham, an interactive session with the CM, Vijayan emphasized the significance of empowering individuals with disabilities through sports.
Vijayan expressed optimism that the proposed sports academy would serve as a platform to identify and nurture talents among the differently abled population. Furthermore, he outlined plans to revise government policies concerning individuals with disabilities and the elderly to better address contemporary needs.
Encouraging differently abled individuals to explore opportunities, Vijayan reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment in Kerala for people with disabilities. He underscored the ongoing efforts of the Barrier-free Kerala program, aimed at enhancing accessibility in public buildings, parks, and state-owned enterprises for persons with disabilities.
As part of the Barrier-free Kerala initiative, more than 2,000 buildings have been renovated to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. Tourist centers are also slated for inclusion in the program to ensure inclusivity in recreational spaces. Moreover, the government is implementing measures to make digital platforms more accessible to individuals with disabilities, with over 170 websites optimized for accessibility by September 2023.
In a concerted effort to promote inclusivity in employment, the government established a committee tasked with identifying positions within government offices suitable for individuals with disabilities. To date, 1,263 such posts have been identified, with the government increasing reservation quotas for new appointments from 3% to 4%. Additionally, a 4% reservation is now allocated for department-level promotions.