Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar addressed the two – day sensitization workshop, which concluded today at Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat. The workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities was also present in the workshop.
Representatives from various States/UTs such as Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Chandigarh, Telengana, Ladhakh, Rajasthan made presentations showcasing their best practices in empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). They highlighted their schemes and programmes and various initiatives being taken by them for mainstreaming of PwDs and also for protection of their rights.
District Magistrate, Narmada highlighted action taken by them in implementation of SMILE programme and their initiative “NO DHAR NO AADHAAR” for mainstreaming of homeless, transgenders, beggars, elderly and Divyangjan.
In his concluding address, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar appreciated the efforts made by the States/UTs for empowerment of PwDs. He stressed the need for expanding publicity and outreach activities for raising awareness about the rights of PwDs and initiatives being taken various levels for realising their rights. He urged that the State authorities need to take proactive measures to develop a favourable attitude among public towards Divyangjan to achieve the goal of effective and sustainable inclusive development.