People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA), a social development organization based in Ravulapalem, continues its mission to empower children with disabilities through its focused work across the Kothapeta Constituency. As part of its inclusive development initiatives, PARA has successfully advocated for the issuance of railway concession passes to children with disabilities, easing their travel to distant locations for medical care, education, and essential services.
PARA’s dedicated disability rights wing operates in four blocks of the constituency, ensuring a holistic approach to child development. The wing is coordinated by Mr. B. Mahima Rao, who leads several key activities including:
- Identifying children with disabilities in rural areas
- Ensuring eligibility and issuance of valid SADAREM certificates
- Providing access to medical support and rehabilitation
- Organizing capacity-building sessions for parents and caregivers
- Engaging in policy advocacy with the Departments of Social Welfare and Disabled & Senior Citizen Welfare at the district level
In a recent effort on April 22, 2025, Mr. Mahima Rao, in collaboration with Dr. Hymavathi from the Health Department, facilitated the sanctioning of railway concession passes for four children with disabilities from Atreyapuram block. The process was carried out at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Atreyapuram.
These railway concession passes are a significant resource for families. They allow children with disabilities to travel free of cost on Indian Railways, with an escort also entitled to travel at no charge. This provision removes major financial and logistical barriers, making vital services more accessible to children and their families.
“Mobility is a basic right, and through initiatives like this, we are ensuring that children with disabilities are not left behind when it comes to accessing opportunities,” said Mr. Mahima Rao.
This initiative marks another step forward in PARA’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for all children, regardless of their physical or developmental challenges.
