Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy Marks Makar Sankranti with Differently-Abled Employees
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Synopsis
Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy celebrated Makar Sankranti with hundreds of specially-abled employees in Bengaluru. This event marks six years of support and empowerment for the community, with Kumaraswamy emphasizing the importance of financial independence and regularizing services for these individuals.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Kumaraswamy celebrated Sankranti with specially-abled employees.
- Over 600 employees have participated for six consecutive years.
- Kumaraswamy emphasized financial empowerment over mere sympathy.
- He assured action on job opportunities and healthcare for the specially-abled.
- The tradition began during his tenure as Chief Minister in 2006.
Bengaluru, Jan 14 (NationPress) Hundreds of specially-abled employees working in various departments of the Karnataka Government marked their sixth consecutive Sankranti festival alongside Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy.
For the past six years, over 600 specially-abled individuals have gathered to celebrate this festival with the JD(S) leader.
Families of employees from all over the state came together at the Union Minister’s residence in Bengaluru for the Sankranti festivities.
While addressing the attendees, Kumaraswamy expressed, “I am profoundly thankful for your steadfast trust and affection. Your love and blessings empower me.”
He further remarked, “Whenever the opportunity arises, I have supported you to the best of my abilities. I will persistently work for the welfare of the differently-abled.”
Union Minister Kumaraswamy highlighted the need to financially empower specially-abled individuals rather than merely offering sympathy.
“To me, you are akin to God, and I will always advocate for your betterment whenever possible,” he stated.
Kumaraswamy encouraged the specially-abled community to remain hopeful, assuring them: “India is progressing in remarkable ways today. Opportunities are on the rise, and I urge you all to confront challenges with bravery and optimism.”
He also voiced concern regarding the declining societal conditions, referencing alarming incidents such as the slashing of three cows’ udders in Bengaluru as extremely troubling.
During the celebration, employees presented a memorandum to the Union Minister, appealing for increased job opportunities for specially-abled individuals within public sector industries nationwide.
The employees also sought the revival of the Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme established in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This scheme allowed specially-abled individuals to access quality healthcare for a minimal premium of Rs 300. Union Minister Kumaraswamy assured them that he would address this matter with the relevant authorities.
This annual celebration of Sankranti with specially-abled employees originated from Union Minister Kumaraswamy's initiatives during his tenure as Karnataka's Chief Minister in 2006. Through “Janata Darshan,” he recognized and worked on employment challenges faced by the specially-abled.
In a significant move, he provided job opportunities to 300 SSLC pass and 300 graduate candidates with disabilities in the Energy Department on a contract basis. However, subsequent administrations neglected to regularize their positions despite numerous requests.
Upon returning as Chief Minister in 2018, Kumaraswamy honored his commitment by regularizing the services of these 600 specially-abled employees during the Sankranti celebrations in 2019.
The employees conveyed their gratitude, saying, “When we were on a contractual basis, we earned only Rs 3,000. After regularization, our salaries increased to Rs 80,000–Rs 90,000. Today, we own homes, purchase cars, and provide quality education for our children, all thanks to Kumaraswamy. That’s why we celebrate Sankranti with him every year.”
