Gehlot criticises Raj BJP Budget for ‘ignoring’ Divyang welfare

Jaipur: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot Wednesday accused the BJP-led state govt of failing to announce any significant measures for divyang (specially-abled) people in the latest budget. He said the budget was "completely disappointing", citing silence on the recruitment of special educators and no meaningful increase in welfare schemes.Gehlot further alleged that two divyang universities started under his govt since shut down, and said their continuation benefited the state's specially-abled community.The two divyang (specially-abled) universities announced by the previous Congress govt in Rajasthan were Baba Amte Divyang University in Jaipur (announced in Budget 2022-23) and Mahatma Gandhi Divyang University in Jodhpur (announced in Budget 2023-24). These institutions were intended to provide specialised higher education and research opportunities for specially-abled individuals."The govt is silent on the recruitment of special educators. There is no effective increase in welfare schemes for divyangs," said Gehlot on ‘X'."I don't understand why BJP has such insensitivity towards the deprived and weaker sections. Shouldn't there have been major announcements for them in the budget? Divyang persons are feeling cheated today. I hope at least in the appropriation bill, announcements should be made in the interest of divyangs," he added.