Maintaining that Odisha has emerged as a model State in empowerment and welfare of the persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the country, Union Ministry of Empowerment of PwDs Secretary lov Verma on Wednesday said the national programme for skill development of persons with disabilities and Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan would soon be launched in the State.
Verma informed that under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan around 25-50 Government buildings in smaller cities and 50-100 Government buildings in big cities would be identified and necessary arrangements would be made to make them easily accessible for physically challenged persons.
He was speaking at the Odisha youth conclave for physically challenged persons which was inaugurated by Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati here on Wednesday.
Pati laid emphasis on inherent talents of PwDs and said proper education, technological access and skill training would help a lot to prove their talents. Pati also emphasised on entrepreneurship development among the youths so that they themselves become the employers instead of searching for an employment.
Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Saswat Mishra also spoke. The conclave was organised by Swabhiman, a leading NGO working for empowerment and welfare of disable persons. Swabhiman chief executive Dr Sruti Mohapatra, Padmashree Dr Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi and Dr Monorama Mohapatra attended the event.