Bhubaneswar:
In a novel gesture, Odisha government has asked all the Durga puja committees in the state to make special arrangements for a smooth visit for disabled and old persons besides pregnant women and children, official sources said.
The department of women and child development (WCD) has directed the district collectors to ensure that puja committees make provisions for the special category persons so that they are able to visit the pandals without problem.
In a letter to all district collectors, WCD secretary Arati Ahuja said "There should be a separate entry and exit for the old, disabled persons and also pregnant women and children in crowded puja pandals."
This is said to be the first attempt in the state aimed at helping these sections of the society, the sources said.