Chennai,— tamil Nadu chief minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated 105 “Vizhudugal – Integrated service Centres” dedicated to serving persons with disabilities, in a statewide event held at the chennai Secretariat on Monday. The inauguration was conducted through video conferencing from chennai and marks a major expansion in the state’s disability welfare infrastructure.

What Are the ‘Vizhudugal’ Centres?

The newly launched centres, called “Vizhudugal”, are integrated service points established to provide accessible and comprehensive support services to persons with disabilities throughout 20 districts of tamil Nadu. These centres are intended to serve as local hubs where disability-related welfare services and rehabilitation support can be accessed at the district and rural levels.

Statewide Reach and Coverage

A total of 105 integrated service centres have been set up under the Department of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

These centres are spread across 20 districts, including major cities like Chennai, as well as smaller towns and rural regions.

The programme has been implemented at a total cost of ₹14.57 crore under the state welfare department.

Special Focus on Disability Support

The Vizhudugal centres are designed especially to help persons with different types of disabilities — including physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. They will serve as one‑stop support points for services such as:

Information and counselling for disability certification

Access to assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers)

Rehabilitation support and skill development programmes

Guidance on schemes, allowances, and government benefits

Several of the centres also include specialised facilities or services for children with disabilities, helping families access early intervention and developmental support in their local areas.

Inauguration event and government Statement

The launch event, held virtually from the Chennai Secretariat, saw cm stalin formally inaugurate all 105 centres through video link to officials, welfare administrators, and district representatives across the state.

Officials from the Department of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities noted that the centres will strengthen the state’s network of disability services while decentralising access for rural and underserved communities.

Government’s Continued Commitment to Welfare

The inauguration of Vizhudugal centres data-aligns with ongoing efforts by the tamil Nadu government to expand social welfare schemes and make essential services more accessible to all citizens. This includes previous initiatives such as health screening camps, expansion of free meal schemes for sanitation workers, and agricultural support programmes.

What This Means for people with Disabilities

By establishing these integrated centres in local districts, the tamil Nadu government aims to:

Reduce barriers to accessing disability services

Provide a unified point of contact for multiple governmental benefits

Enable easier and faster support for persons with disabilities

Bring rehabilitation and social inclusion services closer to home

The initiative has been welcomed by disability rights advocates and community leaders who say it could significantly improve quality of life and access to essential services.

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