Betul/ Bhopal, September 13, 2026

Disability representatives and social workers from 16 districts have gathered at the Bharat Bharati campus in Betul for a training programme organised by Saksham’s Madhya Bharat unit. Madhya Pradesh Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Dr Ajay Khemariya shared details in conversation with Swadesh. He said the discussions focused on how the government, society and persons with disabilities could work together on welfare and empowerment.

BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal and Padma Shri Mohan Nagar were among those present. Dr Khemariya said Khandelwal announced a personal contribution towards a residential facility in Betul for persons with intellectual disabilities. The proposed facility addresses a concern for families who need dependable, long-term support for their relatives. The training programme also gave workers from different districts a chance to share their experience and discuss problems they encounter locally.

Dr Khemariya has raised several such issues with the state government in recent weeks. During a meeting with Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal, he sought a review of restrictions affecting a special recruitment process for persons with disabilities. He also proposed additional consideration for women with disabilities in Anganwadi appointments and access to pre-examination coaching centres for candidates with disabilities. In a separate intervention, he flagged the absence of an examination centre in the Gwalior-Chambal region for a recruitment drive involving posts reserved for persons with disabilities. Candidates from the region had to choose centres in Bhopal, Indore or Jabalpur.

These proposals remain matters for the authorities to consider. At Betul, the focus was on the people who help families and persons with disabilities navigate such difficulties every day. The representatives will return to their districts with the training, while Khandelwal’s announcement has raised hopes for a residential facility in Betul.