**Nagpur News:** A political development from Nagpur has drawn attention within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Around 40 BJP councillors are reportedly set to receive notices for remaining absent from a government programme attended by <a href="/category/maharashtra" class="text-brand font-semibold hover:underline">Maharashtra</a> Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The event was held on Sunday at Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur to mark the conclusion of a distribution camp for assistive equipment and Jaipur Foot-related support for persons with disabilities. Chief Minister Fadnavis was present at the programme.

According to information available, the presence of all 110 BJP councillors was expected at the event. However, around 40 councillors did not attend despite prior communication and requests to be present.

Following the absence, a list of the councillors who did not attend the programme has reportedly been prepared. Nagpur Municipal Corporation's ruling party leader Balya Borkar is said to have decided to issue notices to the concerned councillors.

The notices are expected to seek an explanation for their absence. The development has raised questions over whether the BJP will take any further organisational action against the councillors after receiving their responses.

## Assistive Equipment Distributed to Persons with Disabilities

The programme also focused on providing free Jaipur Foot equipment and other assistive devices to persons with physical disabilities and hearing impairments in Nagpur district.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the role of assistive <a href="/category/technology" class="text-brand font-semibold hover:underline">technology</a> in improving the independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities. He noted that artificial limbs and other support devices can make everyday activities easier and help people lead more independent lives.

Fadnavis also referred to the work of the Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti, which has been providing assistance to persons with disabilities in <a href="/category/india" class="text-brand font-semibold hover:underline">India</a> and abroad for several decades.

He said that both the Central and Maharashtra governments are working to reduce difficulties faced by persons with disabilities through various welfare programmes and assistance camps. Such initiatives provide equipment including hearing aids, wheelchairs, walking aids and other essential support devices.

The Chief Minister also mentioned the state's decision to increase the monthly financial assistance for persons with disabilities to ₹2,500. He said the government is also working to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities in education, employment and healthcare.

## Focus on Cochlear Implants for Children

Fadnavis further spoke about the importance of early medical intervention for children with hearing impairments. He said procedures such as cochlear implants can help eligible children develop hearing and speech abilities when treatment is provided at an appropriate age.

According to the Chief Minister, cochlear implant procedures can cost approximately ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh, with the Maharashtra government providing financial support for eligible cases.

He also said that the government plans to conduct surveys across the state to identify children, particularly those below the age of 10, who may require such medical intervention.

The government is also looking at ways to provide employment-related support that could help persons with disabilities earn up to around ₹20,000 per month, while giving them priority in housing and other welfare schemes, Fadnavis said.

Meanwhile, the proposed notices to the 40 absent BJP councillors have added a political dimension to the programme. Their explanations and the BJP's subsequent response will determine whether the matter leads to any further action.