CH NEWS, CHIKKABALLAPURA
The provision of assistive equipment and supportive welfare schemes to persons with disabilities and senior citizens is neither an act of pity nor charity, but the fulfillment of their fundamental right to live an independent and dignified life, affirmed Chikkaballapura District In-charge Minister Byrathi Suresh.
Speaking after inaugurating a mega distribution camp organized at the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Stadium on Thursday, Minister Suresh distributed tricycles, crutches, hearing aids, and specialized assistive gear to eligible beneficiaries.
The program was organized jointly by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Chikkaballapura District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and ALIMCO. He observed that societal attitudes toward persons with disabilities have evolved positively, emphasizing that public welfare initiatives must focus on empowering recipients to become completely self-sufficient.
Addressing regional development, Minister Suresh announced that pending land acquisition for the vital Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project will conclude within six months. He confirmed that land acquisition for the Gowribidanur package is complete, with over 90% of civil construction finished. Reaffirming the state government’s priority commitment under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, he assured that Yettinahole water will begin filling lakes across Chikkaballapura district within a year without impediment.
Chikkaballapura MP Dr. K. Sudhakar stated that under the Central Government’s ADIP and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) programs, assistive equipment valued at ₹1.29 crore was distributed to 1,429 Divyangjan and senior citizen beneficiaries. MLA Pradeep Eshwar noted that along with Central programs, various State Government initiatives delivered assistive tools worth ₹37.37 lakh to an additional 500 beneficiaries.
Deputy Commissioner G. Prabhu, Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Y. Naveen Bhat, Superintendent of Police Padmini Sahu, and prominent district officials attended the distribution ceremony.
Nandi Medical College launches outpatient department
District In-charge and Transport Minister B.S. Suresh inaugurated the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Nandi Medical College near Aroor on Thursday, significantly expanding affordable, high-quality healthcare for rural and middle-class families without requiring travel to distant cities.
Chikkaballapura MP Dr. K. Sudhakar termed the opening an emotional milestone, recalling his sustained efforts as former Medical Education Minister to establish a government medical college in the district. Meanwhile, MLA Pradeep Eshwar stated that a proposal will be submitted to the state government to name the new hospital OPD after Dr. Sudhakar’s mother, late Shanthamma.
Bagepalli MLA S.N. Subbareddy, Deputy Commissioner G. Prabhu, and Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Y. Naveen Bhat attended the event.
