February 10, 2025: The Assam government has urged the Centre to set up India’s first Divyang University in the state to empower differently-abled individuals through education and skill development. Assam Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pijush Hazarika, made this request to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, during a meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.

Following the meeting, Hazarika took to social media platform 'X' to share the details of his discussion. He stated, “Today, I had the privilege of meeting Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, @Drvirendrakum13 Ji, in New Delhi. During our meeting, I requested the central government, led by our visionary leader, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, through the Hon’ble Minister, to consider establishing India’s first Divyang University in Assam.”

He further emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam government believes such an institution would play a crucial role in empowering the differently-abled through education and skill-based training, thereby contributing to national progress.

The Union Minister listened to the request attentively, Hazarika added. He also attended the first meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY), where he urged the Centre to establish hostels under the scheme for Assam and the northeastern region.

The initiative, if approved, would mark a significant step in enhancing accessibility and opportunities for differently-abled individuals in Assam and beyond.