Bhubaneswar: In order to bring persons with disabilities (PwDs) into the mainstream, SSEPD Minister Ashok Chandra Panda on Friday stressed on expansion of scope of rights and entitlements for them, assuring their dignity and socio-economic participation.
Strengthening of special schools for PwD students and encouraging skill training for meaningful employment have become the priorities of the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of PwDs (SSEPD), he said while presiding over the 3rd Meeting of State Advisory Board on Disability held here today.
The Integrated Infrastructure Complexes (Shradhalayas) have become operational in 8 districts while Manodaya (State Institute for Disability Rehabilitation) is also functional at 3 places.
Principal Secretary of SSEPD Bishnupada Sethi in his introductory address said the advisory board provides a platform involving all stakeholders to workout collectively to find ways to overcome the challenges and ensure effective implementation of various schemes and programmes for the PwDs.
The Board, constituted with MLAs, representatives of various Departments and organisations working for the causes of PwDs deliberated on different issues relating to the welfare and development of PwDs.
Ananta Narayan Jena, MLA also emphasised on convergence of various Government Departments for successful implementation of schemes aimed to bring development of PwDs.
About 36 lakh beneficiaries have been included in Madhubabu Pension Yojana (MPY). Around 3000 PwDs have been imparted skill development training. About 25,000 students are receiving Banishree Scholarship while 104 Special Schools are given Grant-in-Aid from the Government.
Director of the department Niyati Patnaik gave the welcome address. Senior officers from Government Departments and various organisations were also present.
