Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced a comprehensive citywide survey, in collaboration with its Divyang Bhavan, to create an updated and accurate database of persons with disabilities (PwDs). The initiative aims to improve the targeting and delivery of welfare schemes and services, a senior PCMC official said.According to the official, such surveys are mandated every five years under govt regulations and serve multiple purposes. “Beyond updating records, these surveys help track disability patterns within families for early detection and preventive measures. They also raise awareness about disability rights, strengthen local administrative systems, and provide crucial referral information for early intervention in newborns and infants,” he said.Officials from PCMC’s Social Development Department noted that the survey will offer insights into the types of disabilities present in the city and evaluate which govt schemes and services beneficiaries currently access. With the state govt expanding the classification of disabilities from seven to 21 categories last year, the survey will also help update the list of eligible beneficiaries.“The data will allow us to identify skill gaps among PwDs and design customised training programmes to boost employment opportunities and economic self-reliance,” the official said, adding that both central and state govts utilise such data to improve existing welfare schemes and introduce new policies when needed.The survey will be carried out through a combination of online and offline methods. Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), ASHA workers, and representatives from the disability community will be involved in the process. A dedicated mobile application is also being developed for digital data collection.Last year, PCMC established Divyang Bhavan, Maharashtra’s first dedicated facility for persons with disabilities, offering rehabilitation, therapy, assistive services, and skill development programmes. As Divyang Bhavan officials are involved in the process of the survey, the civic body aims to promote the crucial facility among PwDs to ensure they avail themselves of the various services provided for them.Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “Accurate data is the foundation of effective policymaking. This survey will enable us to provide more inclusive and impactful services to persons with disabilities across the city.”
