On Tuesday, the Maharashtra state government announced the formation of a separate ministry for the divyang (differently abled). The state government stated that this department will function independently in the social justice and welfare department. The decision was taken during a state cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, Mr. Eknath Shinde, and the Deputy CM, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis.

As part of the transition, the Maharashtra Chief minister announced various government schemes for people with disabilities worth Rs. 1,130 crores, which will be implemented through the new ministry. He also directed the administration to conduct a door-to-door survey of the differently abled population to collect accurate data for the implementation of these schemes for them. The decision to establish a separate department was made in response to MLA Mr. Omprakash′s proposal. Mr. Omprakash, who was overjoyed with the approval, stated that Maharashtra will be the first state in India to have a separate ministry for the differently abled. It will have a separate minister, secretary, and other officials who will have the sole job of looking after the welfare of differently-abled persons and ensuring the successful implementation of various government schemes for them.