States » SouthPosted at: Nov 5 2026 8:10PM


Kerala to become India's first disability-friendly state; comprehensive welfare package within a month: CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 5 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday announced that the government would unveil a comprehensive package of schemes within a month to make Kerala India's first disability-friendly state, ensuring equal opportunities, accessibility and social security for persons with disabilities.
He also said a decision to grant aided status to all special schools having more than 100 students would be announced shortly.
Inaugurating the 27th State Special School Arts Festival at Karthika Thirunal Government Vocational and Higher Secondary School for Girls at Manacaud here, Satheesan said the government would give special priority to the needs of persons with disabilities and ensure that financial constraints did not affect the implementation of welfare measures.
The proposed initiatives would go beyond providing ramps and specially designed toilets in public buildings. Arrangements would be made to ensure that persons with disabilities could access all public spaces and board public transport without difficulty.
The government would also prepare a comprehensive database of all persons with disabilities in Kerala and update it regularly to identify their requirements and formulate appropriate interventions, he said.
Emphasising the importance of early identification and intervention, the Chief Minister said 60 to 70 per cent of disability-related problems could be addressed through early detection, while appropriate training could significantly improve children's abilities. Kerala would bring in modern facilities and technologies of international standards to strengthen early intervention and rehabilitation.
He assured parents that they need not remain anxious about the future of their children after their lifetime, as the government would take responsibility for ensuring their care, protection and well-being.
Describing the special school arts festival as a powerful platform to demonstrate that children with disabilities were second to none, Satheesan said the event would be expanded from the next edition by including children with disabilities studying in regular government and aided schools.
The success of the festival should not be measured merely by the number of prizes won, but by the confidence and enthusiasm children gained by coming on stage and presenting their talents, he said.
Presiding over the function, General Education Minister N Shamsudheen said arts festivals offered children opportunities to express their artistic and literary talents. While physical challenges might limit certain activities, there were no limitations to the dreams, imagination and thoughts of persons with disabilities, he said.
General Education Director Arun K Vijay raised the festival flag. District Panchayat President V Priyadarshini and State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Dr P T Baburaj offered felicitations.
Education Standing Committee Chairperson Chembazhanthi Udayan, former General Education Director N S K Umesh, SCERT Director Dr K K Mashood and KITE CEO Dr K Anvar Sadath were among those who attended.
UNI DS
Tags: #Kerala to become India's first disability-friendly state; comprehensive welfare package within a month: CM
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