Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the 31st edition of the Divya Kala Mela at Ravindra Sadan in Kolkata, describing the event as a national movement promoting self-reliance, dignity and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).
Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “When equal opportunities are provided, talent knows no boundaries,” adding that the Mela reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” by enabling Divyangjan to become equal partners in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The eight-day event, being held from July 14 to 22, is the first Divya Kala Mela to be jointly organised by the Centre and the West Bengal government. Around 40 stalls, predominantly featuring artisans from West Bengal, have been set up to showcase handicrafts, artwork and other products created by Divyang entrepreneurs.
Calling the event much more than an exhibition, Dr. Kumar said the initiative transforms confidence into capability, creativity into livelihoods and aspiration into self-reliance. Since its launch in December 2022, the Divya Kala Mela has expanded to cities across the country, including Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Patna, providing a dedicated national platform for artisans and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The minister said the government’s approach towards persons with disabilities has shifted from a welfare-based model to a rights-based framework focused on empowerment. He noted that nearly ₹1,462 crore has been provided to around 1.82 lakh beneficiaries since 2014 to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, under which 20 students with disabilities are selected each year for higher education abroad.
Dr. Kumar also highlighted the achievements of the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme, which seeks to improve the safety, dignity and social security of sanitation workers through mechanised sanitation, personal protective equipment (PPE), health insurance and skill development.
According to the ministry, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and 2.81 lakh waste pickers have been validated under the scheme. More than 87,000 PPE kits have been distributed to sanitation workers and over 1.84 lakh to waste pickers, while health cards have been issued to more than 1.81 lakh beneficiaries. During the programme, sanitation workers were also provided with PPE kits and Ayushman Cards.
Speaking on the occasion, West Bengal Minister-in-Charge of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul described the Divya Kala Mela as a celebration of dignity, creativity and inclusive development rather than merely an exhibition. She said the event offers Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs a valuable platform to market their products and strengthen their economic independence.
Paying tribute to sanitation workers, Paul described them as the true guardians of public health and highlighted the objectives of the NAMASTE programme in ensuring their safety, dignity and socio-economic well-being. She also announced the distribution of the “Dr. Kavach” safety kit, comprising a raincoat, cap, gloves, boots and protective mask.
West Bengal Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Malati Rava Roy said the Divya Kala Mela has emerged as a powerful platform for promoting the economic empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship and cultural expression.
In his welcome address, Rajiv Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), said the 31st edition marks the first joint initiative of the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal for the empowerment of Divyangjan.
The inauguration was attended by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ram Das Athawale, West Bengal Minister of State for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Umesh Rai, senior officials of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and other dignitaries.
