States » NorthPosted at: Nov 5 2026 4:31PM


Drug abuse, student scholarships and disability benefits to come under national review on Nov 18-19

Panchkula, Nov 5 (UNI) Drug abuse, student scholarships, disability benefits and barriers to accessing public facilities will be scrutinised at a two-day national summit in New Delhi on November 18 and 19. States are expected to examine 11,720 suggestions aimed at improving welfare programmes and support for vulnerable sections of society.
Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi said on Wednesday that the meeting would focus on strengthening social security, improving access to educational assistance, and ensuring that persons with disabilities receive timely identification, appropriate benefits, and opportunities to become self-reliant.
The summit will bring together ministers and senior officials from across the country to discuss shortcomings in existing welfare systems and identify measures to improve their implementation.
According to Bedi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to preside over the concluding session, while union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar will inaugurate the two-day meeting.
Bedi said the 11,720 suggestions from various states would be examined before drawing up recommendations for future policies and programmes.
A major focus will be on strengthening the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative to tackle substance abuse, which affects families and communities across the country.
The summit will also examine ways to strengthen scholarship programmes so that students from disadvantaged backgrounds can receive better educational support.
Another key area will be the early identification of persons with disabilities and measures to ensure they receive financial assistance, rehabilitation support and access to welfare schemes.
Improving accessibility in public spaces and services will also figure prominently in discussions under the Accessible India initiative.
Bedi said the summit would examine how governments could improve coordination to ensure welfare measures reach beneficiaries at the local level.
The discussions will also cover feedback received under the Panch Nivesh and Inclusive Resolution framework, which the minister said would help shape future initiatives.
The minister said the gathering would provide a common platform for states to exchange experiences, identify gaps in existing programmes and develop coordinated approaches to social welfare and disability inclusion.
UNI KK RSA
Tags: #Drug abuse# student scholarships and disability benefits to come under national review on Nov 18-19
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