Washington, Feb 2 (NationPress) A US-based non-profit organization advocating for disabilities has expressed its support for India's Union Budget 2026. They noted that the introduction of new initiatives aimed at skills development, employment opportunities, and assistive technologies represents a significant milestone in the empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

The Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) emphasized that the budget enhances efforts to integrate Divyangjan into the economic framework through specialized programs and policy backing.

“Our strategic initiative, 'Vision 2047 for Divyangjan,' has received an essential boost with the unveiling of two new programs designed to promote the economic engagement of persons with disabilities,” stated VOSAP’s founder, Pranav Desai, in a conversation with IANS.

VOSAP's Vision 2047 is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are fully woven into India’s long-term developmental narrative, emphasizing dignity, opportunity, and active participation.

During her budget announcement, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and the Divyang Sahara Yojana, aimed at enhancing skills, creating employment pathways, and providing access to assistive technology, according to the organization.

“The launch of these two programs in the Union Budget 2026 significantly enhances our Vision 2047 for Divyangjan, facilitating economic contributions from Specially Abled People,” VOSAP stated.

The organization commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for implementing what they described as timely initiatives that bolster skill development, employment opportunities, and access to enabling technologies.

“These initiatives will foster an inclusive environment for Vision 2047 and Viksit Bharat, where dignity, accessibility, and opportunity are the hallmarks of progress,” the organization remarked.

Desai explained that the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana is anticipated to concentrate on skill enhancement and vocational training tailored for individuals with disabilities, aiming to improve their employability and workforce participation.

The Divyang Sahara Yojana is structured to provide comprehensive support systems, including access to assistive devices and technology, enabling individuals with disabilities to live and work with greater autonomy.

VOSAP noted that these two initiatives align with the broader vision of Sugamya Bharat, or accessible India, focusing on dismantling hurdles related to skills, employment, and technology that often restrict opportunities.

Effective implementation of these programs is deemed crucial to ensure they deliver tangible benefits in practice.

VOSAP is a global advocacy platform based in the US, collaborating with policymakers, institutions, and civil society to promote disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion. It has been actively involved in discussions surrounding inclusive infrastructure, equitable access, and the economic participation of individuals with disabilities.

India is home to millions of individuals with disabilities, many of whom confront ongoing challenges in education, employment, and access to public spaces.