OP Choudhary Distributes Assistive Devices Worth ₹60 Lakh to 350 Persons with Disabilities in Raigarh

Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA O.P. Choudhary addresses the ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ programme at Sindoor Park in Raigarh on Saturday, October 3, 2026, where assistive devices were distributed to persons with disabilities and an anti-addiction awareness campaign was held. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Finance Minister announces permanent stage at Sindoor Park; urges youth to stay away from addiction, limit excessive mobile use and focus on skills, fitness and entrepreneurship

Key Highlights

• 350 persons with disabilities received assistive devices worth around ₹60 lakh at Sindoor Park.
• Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA O.P. Choudhary announced construction of a permanent, well-equipped stage at the park.
• Devices included motorised tricycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids, Braille kits, smartphones and mobility aids.
• Choudhary urged young people to stay away from drugs and excessive use of mobile phones and social media.
• He encouraged youth to explore skills, self-employment, startups and entrepreneurship alongside conventional jobs.
• The programme was organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.

Raigarh: Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA O.P. Choudhary distributed assistive devices worth nearly ₹60 lakh to 350 persons with disabilities at Sindoor Park on Saturday, October 3, saying that public service should ultimately make everyday life easier and enable people to become more independent.

The programme, organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’s ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ initiative, combined the distribution of assistive equipment with an awareness campaign against substance abuse.

Choudhary also announced the construction of a permanent and well-equipped stage at Sindoor Park. He said an appropriate location should be identified so that the facility could be used for different public programmes, reducing the repeated need for temporary stages and tents.

Assistive Devices as a Path to Independence

Addressing the gathering, Choudhary said providing equipment according to an individual’s requirements should not be viewed merely as distribution of material assistance.

“Providing assistive devices according to the needs of persons with disabilities is not merely the distribution of equipment. It is meaningful support towards making their daily lives more convenient and enabling greater independence.”

He said tricycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids and Braille kits could improve mobility and support education and routine activities.

Choudhary thanked the organisations associated with the initiative and extended his best wishes to the beneficiaries.

Referring to the broader purpose of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, he said:

“The real meaning of service is to reach a person in need, understand that person’s requirement and provide the necessary support.”

‘Keep Youth Away From Addiction’

A significant part of Choudhary’s address focused on young people and the need for sustained social awareness against substance abuse.

He said anti-addiction campaigns should not remain confined to individual events and urged young people to channel their energy into education, sport, skill development and constructive activities.

“Young people should use their energy for education, sports, skill development and creative pursuits. Families and society also have a responsibility to guide in time those who may be moving towards addiction.”

Choudhary participated in a signature campaign carrying the message that addiction can destroy lives and that a healthy and prosperous life requires freedom from substance abuse.

Those present also took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge. Pradeep Puri Goswami and Guru Charan Mishra, who have been moving away from substance abuse towards regular life, were honoured with certificates.

Warning Against Excessive Mobile and Social Media Use

Choudhary also drew attention to excessive dependence on smartphones and social media, particularly among younger users.

“A mobile phone is a useful medium for knowledge, necessary work and communication, but excessive use can turn into a habit. Instead of spending unnecessary time on social media and reels, young people should focus on studies, sports, skill development and creative work.”

He said prolonged mobile use could adversely affect concentration, sleep, eyesight and general health, and called for a more balanced approach to digital technology.

Jobs Should Not Be the Only Goal

The Finance Minister also encouraged young people to consider entrepreneurship and self-employment instead of restricting their aspirations to salaried employment.

He urged them to adopt nutritious diets, avoid excessive fast food, exercise regularly and maintain a disciplined daily routine.

“Young people should not limit themselves only to searching for jobs. According to their interests and abilities, they should also move towards self-employment, startups and entrepreneurship. Skills and knowledge of new technologies can help them create employment not only for themselves but for others as well.”

Choudhary referred to educational and skill-development facilities available in Raigarh, including Prayas Vidyalaya, Horticulture College, Physiotherapy College, Naturopathy College, Nav Gurukul and Nalanda campus. He also said work was under way to provide artificial intelligence training to Raigarh’s youth with support from IIIT.

Devendra Pratap Singh Calls for Door-to-Door Awareness

Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh said providing appropriate assistive devices and keeping young people away from substance abuse were both important dimensions of public service.

He called for anti-addiction awareness to extend beyond organised programmes and reach households, with families, communities and young people participating actively.

Raigarh Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan said substance abuse affects not only health but also a person’s economic condition and social life. He stressed the importance of connecting young people with positive activities and increasing awareness within families.

350 Beneficiaries Receive Mobility and Assistive Equipment

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary and other dignitaries interact with beneficiaries after assistive devices were distributed to 350 persons with disabilities at Sindoor Park in Raigarh on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Equipment worth around ₹60 lakh was provided according to beneficiaries’ requirements. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

The equipment distributed included motorised and conventional tricycles, wheelchairs, digital hearing aids, walking and adjustable sticks, mobility canes, Braille kits, smartphones, screen-reading software, CP wheelchairs and different types of crutches.

Beneficiaries had earlier been identified through a district-level camp. The equipment was made available with the support of the Agriculture Insurance Company of India.

UDID certificates were also presented to Amrita Malakar, Pushpa Nayak, Ishwar Chauhan and Vishal Nagvanshi.

For beneficiaries, the equipment promises a practical change in everyday mobility.

Tekchand Malakar of Semra said he had depended on his father for travel and studies because he did not have a tricycle. He said receiving one would now allow him greater independence in travelling.

Sunita Shankar, an Anganwadi assistant from Chhichhor Umaria in Pusaur development block, said receiving her first tricycle would make travelling for work considerably easier.

The programme was attended by Municipal Corporation Chairman Digreelal Sahu, Collector Mayank Chaturvedi, local representatives, councillors, officials, representatives of ALIMCO and Agriculture Insurance Company of India, beneficiaries and citizens.