Bhubaneswar: Integrated Infrastructure Complexes (Shradhalayas) for persons with disabilities (PwDs) have become operational in eight districts while the State Institute for Disability Rehabilitation (Manodaya) is functional at three places in the state. This was revealed during the Third Meeting of the State Advisory Board on Disability held here, Friday.
The meeting revealed that Shradhalayas have been opened in Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, and Cuttack districts. The scheme will be operational in Nabarangpur and Malkangiri soon.
Likewise, it was also revealed that Manodaya has been functioning in Bhubaneswar, Ganjam, and Jajpur districts. Presiding over the meeting, Social Security and Empowerment of PwDs (SSEPD) Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said, “Strengthening of special schools for PwD students and encouraging skill training for meaningful employment have become the priorities of the department.” Expansion of the horizons of the rights and entitlements of PwDs, assuring their dignity and socio-economic participation to bring them into the mainstream is being emphasised, he added. It was stated that Integrated Infrastructure Complexes (Shradhalayas) have become operational in eight districts while Manodaya (State Institute for Disability Rehabilitation) is functional at three places in the state. The meeting also revealed that about 36 lakh beneficiaries have been included in Madhu Babu PensionYojana (MBPY). Around 3,000 PwDs have been imparted skill development training while about 25,000 students are receiving Banishree Scholarship.
Similarly, 104 special schools are being given granting-aid from the government. Bhubaneswar-Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena emphasised on convergence of various government departments for the successful implementation of schemes aimed at the development of PwDs. SSEPD principal secretary Bishnupada Sethi, in his introductory address, said that the advisory board provides a platform involving all stakeholders to work out collectively to find ways to overcome the challenges and ensure effective implementation of various schemes and programmes for the differently abled. The board, constituted of MLAs, and representatives of various departments and organisations working for the causes of PwDs deliberated on different issues relating to the welfare and development of PwDs.
Matters discussed in the meeting include identification of employees with disabilities working in government and state PSUs, revision of conveyance allowance for employees with disabilities, inclusive education for children with disabilities, incentivising health insurance companies to formulate insurance schemes for PwDs and coverage of PwDs under BSKY, sign language training for employees at police stations and hospitals, availability of universally accessible education material in braille and sign language, subsidised loans for entrepreneurs with disability, accessible audit of all public buildings among others.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP