GUWAHATI: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, on Monday, visited the CRCSRE (Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment for persons with Disabilities) in Guwahati. He also participated in a review meeting with the State officials of Directorate of Social Welfare, Directorate of WPT & BC & Directorate of Welfare of Schedule Caste. The Union Minister was accompanied by State Minister of Finance & Social Welfare, Ajanta Neog.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Virendra Kumar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, the Central Government has implemented various welfare schemes in the interest of the Divyangjan of the country. He applauded the efforts of Prime Minister to empower the 'Divyangjan'. He also informed that approximately 10,000 Divyangjan camps were organised after 2014 till date in the country, adding that more than 20 crore Divyangjan were given various aids worth Rs 500 crore. The Union Minister also informed that his ministry has been working aggressively at the 'Drug Rehabilitation Centres' and 'Old Age Homes' in the country and informed that monitoring and surveillances has been made strict at those centres for proper care and security of the inmates. The Union Minister also made a visit to Committee on Social Economic Health Development-ICRA at Bherakuchi, Khetri and interacted with the inmates.
Explaining about various scheme run by Government of India for welfare of Divyangjan, the Union Minister spoke about the achievements made during the recent Tokyo 2020 Paralympics held in August-September, 2021where the Indian Paralympians created history by winning 19 medals including 5 Gold, 8 Silver and 6 Bronze. He informed that his government has taken initiatives for special sports training institute for the Divyangjan at various places in the country including one at Shillong.
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said that Divyangjan are the integral part of Human resource. He said that, ministry is working on the vision of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' of Prime Minister, and has implemented various welfare schemes for developing an inclusive society and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Informing about the work done in last seven years by Ministry, Union Minister said the Government is trying every effort to provide greater rights and entitlements to Divyangjan by envisioning an inclusive and enabling environment. Union Minister emphasised on Skill training programmes for empowerment of Divyangjan to bring them in the mainstream of society for overall development of the country and to help them to make self reliant and independent.
State Minister of Finance and Social Welfare, Ajanta Neog informed the media persons that her department is committed towards the Divyangjan and will fulfil the vision of the Prime Minister towards empowerment of persons with disabilities under the guidance of Union Minster for Social Justice and Empowerment. She also extended her gratitude towards the Union Minister for his support in achieving the goal of the department. She further said that the government has taken several steps for providing employment to Divyangjan and Skill Training program are being conducted to empower persons with disabilities to open avenues for their self-employment and opportunity in public & private sector.
Different types of assistive devices, were also distributed among identified Divyangjan today at CRCSRE which includes distribution of Tricycle, Smart Phones, Smart Canes, Daisy Players & Hearing aid among Divyangjan beneficiaries.
The Union Minister later participated in a review meeting held with the state officials of Directorate of Social Welfare, Directorate of WPT & BC & Directorate of Welfare of Schedule Caste. (PIB)
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