Date: 2026-07-14Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
“When Equal Opportunities Are Provided, Talent Knows No Boundaries”: Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Calls Divya Kala Mela a Movement for Self-Reliance and Inclusive Nation-Building
**Executive Summary**
The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated in Kolkata on July 14, 2026, as a joint initiative between the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal to empower Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. Running until July 22, 2026, the event provides a national platform for nearly 40 stalls to showcase products, fostering economic self-reliance and inclusive growth. Key highlights include the distribution of assistive devices and safety kits under the NAMASTE Scheme to promote dignity and social security for persons with disabilities and sanitation workers.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Overview and Significance**
* **Location and Duration:** The Mela is being held at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata, from July 14 to July 22, 2026.
* **Collaborative Effort:** This marks the first time the initiative is organized through the joint efforts of the Union Government and the West Bengal State Government.
* **Scale:** The event features approximately 40 stalls, predominantly representing artisans from West Bengal, offering them access to national markets.
* **Evolution:** Conceived in December 2022, the Divya Kala Mela has expanded to multiple cities including Srinagar, Kochi, Guwahati, and Patna.
**Empowerment of Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities)**
* **Policy Shift:** The government has transitioned from a welfare-based model to a rights-based empowerment framework.
* **Financial Support:** Since 2014, ₹1,462 crores in financial assistance has been extended to approximately 1.82 lakh Divyang beneficiaries for self-employment.
* **Education:** The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme selects 20 students with disabilities annually for higher education abroad.
* **Assistive Resources:** Distribution of assistive devices during the event serves as a means to provide independence and dignity.
**NAMASTE Scheme and Sanitation Worker Support**
* **Scheme Objectives:** The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) promotes mechanised sanitation, safety training, and health insurance.
* **Validation Statistics:** The scheme has validated 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and 2,81,117 waste pickers across the country.
* **Safety and Health:** Provided 87,037 PPE kits for sewer workers and 1,84,118 kits for waste pickers; health cards have been issued to over 1.8 lakh workers.
* **Equipment:** 753 Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) have been equipped with modern safety devices.
* **Distribution:** Sanitation workers received Ayushman Cards and "Dr. Kavach" safety kits (comprising raincoats, caps, gloves, boots, and masks).
**Impact Analysis**
**Divyang Artisans and Entrepreneurs**
**Impact**
They gain a dedicated national platform to showcase handicrafts and artworks, directly enhancing their livelihoods, market reach, and economic independence.
**Action Required**
Participate in the Mela to market products and utilize the provided financial and assistive resources to strengthen their enterprises.
**Students with Disabilities**
**Impact**
Eligible individuals have the opportunity to pursue higher education internationally through government-funded scholarships.
**Action Required**
Apply for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which selects 20 candidates per year.
**Sanitation Workers and Waste Pickers**
**Impact**
Workers receive improved safety through mechanised tools and PPE kits, along with social security via health cards and insurance.
**Action Required**
Undergo the validation process, participate in safety training, and utilize the "Dr. Kavach" kits and Ayushman Cards for health and safety.
**Government Entities (Central and State)**
**Impact**
Strengthened Centre-State cooperation through joint implementation of inclusive development programs.
**Action Required**
Collaborate on the continued rollout of schemes like NAMASTE and the expansion of the Divya Kala Mela to more regions.
Key Entities Referenced
Divya Kala Mela: A flagship national initiative and exhibition providing a platform for Divyang (persons with disabilities) artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase products and achieve economic self-reliance.
NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme: A national program focused on mechanised sanitation, providing safety gear, health insurance, and financial assistance to sanitation workers and waste pickers.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: The primary Union Ministry responsible for organizing the Divya Kala Mela and overseeing welfare policies for persons with disabilities and sanitation workers.
Dr. Virendra Kumar: The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment who inaugurated the event and articulated the shift toward a rights-based empowerment framework for Divyangjan.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): The nodal department under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment responsible for executing the Divya Kala Mela and related empowerment initiatives.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
“When Equal Opportunities Are Provided, Talent
Knows No Boundaries”: Dr Virendra Kumar,
Union Minister of Social Justice and
Empowerment Calls Divya Kala Mela a
Movement for Self-Reliance and Inclusive
Nation-Building
प्रव तथ: 14 JUL 2026 8:40PM by PIB Delhi
"When equal opportunities are provided, talent knows no boundaries." With this powerful message, the
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, inaugurated the 31st Divya
Kala Mela at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata today, describing it as far more than an exhibition—it is a national
movement that transforms confidence into capability, creativity into livelihoods and aspiration into self-
reliance for Divyangjan. He said that the Mela embodies Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of
"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas", ensuring that persons with disabilities
become equal partners in the journey towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment said that the 31st Divya
Kala Mela, being organised in Kolkata from 14–22 July 2026, marks a historic milestone as it is being
held for the first time through the joint efforts of the Government of India and the Government of West
Bengal. Conceived in December 2022, the initiative has now expanded across the country—from
Srinagar to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi to Guwahati, and Ahmedabad to Patna—providing a
dedicated national platform for Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. Featuring around 40 stalls,
predominantly by artisans from West Bengal, the eight-day Mela enables Divyang entrepreneurs to access
markets across India and beyond, while fostering confidence, dignity and economic independence.
The Minister reiterated that the Government's approach towards persons with disabilities has undergone a
transformational shift from a welfare-based model to a rights-based empowerment framework. He
informed that since 2014, financial assistance of nearly ₹1,462 crores has been extended to around 1.82
lakh Divyang beneficiaries to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, under which 20 students with disabilities are selected every
year for higher education abroad. Referring to the distribution of assistive devices during the event, he
said these are not merely aids but instruments of dignity and independence.
He also underscored the significance of the NAMASTE Scheme, which promotes mechanised sanitation,
provides PPE kits, safety training, health insurance and financial assistance for sanitation workers,
reaffirming the Government's commitment to ensuring dignity, safety and social security for those serving
society.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Agnimitra Paul Minister-in-Charge of Urban Development and
Municipal Affairs in the Government of West Bengal, described the Divya Kala Mela as a celebration of
dignity, creativity, self-respect and inclusive development rather than merely an exhibition. She said theinitiative offers a vital platform for Divyang artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs to showcase their
products and strengthen their economic self-reliance. Reaffirming the commitment of the Government of
West Bengal to the principle that no one should be left behind, she highlighted the State's initiatives in
education, healthcare, social security, skill development, assistive devices, disability-friendly
infrastructure and employment for persons with disabilities. She also thanked the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment for organising the event and expressed confidence that stronger Centre-State
cooperation would further strengthen inclusive development.
Paying heartfelt tribute to sanitation workers, Smt. Paul described them as the true guardians of public
health and highlighted the objectives of the NAMASTE programme in ensuring their dignity, safety, skill
development and socio-economic well-being. She announced the distribution of the "Dr. Kavach" safety
kit, comprising a raincoat, cap, gloves, boots and protective mask, and called upon society to judge
persons with disabilities by their abilities and contributions rather than their limitations. "Divyangjan are
not objects of charity but equal partners in the progress of the State and the nation," she said.
Smt. Malati Rava Roy, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Women and Child Development and Social
Welfare, West Bengal described the Divya Kala Mela as a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment that has emerged as a powerful instrument for the economic empowerment and
social inclusion of Divyangjan. She said the Mela provides a dedicated platform for artisans and
entrepreneurs with disabilities to showcase and market their handicrafts, artworks and other products,
thereby enhancing their livelihoods, confidence and dignity. She added that the cultural performances by
Divyang artists reinforce the message that physical limitations can never restrict talent, creativity or
excellence, inspiring society to become more inclusive, compassionate and sensitive.
In his welcome address, Shri Rajiv Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of
Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), said that the 31st Divya Kala Mela marks the first joint initiative of
the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal for the empowerment of Divyangjan. The
formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sandeep Rathor, Joint Secretary, Department of Social
Justice and Empowerment.
The Divya Kala Mela continues to provide a prestigious national platform for showcasing the
extraordinary artistic talents of Divyang performers.
The event also highlighted the remarkable achievements of the NAMASTE (National Action for
Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme. Across the country, 89,915 Sewer and Septic Tank
Workers and 2,81,117 Waste Pickers have been validated. States and Union Territories have been
provided 87,037 PPE kits for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 1,84,118 PPE kits for Waste Pickers.
Additionally, Health Cards have been issued to 76,845 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 1,04,729
Waste Pickers, while 753 Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) have been equipped with
modern safety devices. During the programme, PPE kits and Ayushman Cards were distributed to
sanitation workers, reaffirming the Government's unwavering commitment to ensuring their safety,
dignity, health and social security while promoting mechanised sanitation and strengthening collaboration
among States, Urban Local Bodies and implementing agencies to realise the vision of an inclusive,
empowered and self-reliant India.
The dignitaries were present in 31st Divya Kala Mela were, Shri Ram Das Athwale, Union Minister of
State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Minister of State of Urban
Development and Municipal Affairs, West Bengal, Secretary, Women and Child etc.
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