Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday asked all concerned to ensure that persons with disabilities (PwDs) are not deprived of their rights in the society.
“Persons with disabilities are an important part of the society. They have contributed a lot in development of the society. They have shown efficiency and talent through proper training and support. They shouldn’t be deprived of their rights,” said the Chief Minister at the State-level programme held to mark the International Day for PwDs here.
Terming Odisha as a model State in the PwD welfare sector, Patnaik stressed on regular review of welfare programmes going on for the PwDs.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated a photo exhibition and a product exhibition of PwDs.
Patnaik felicitated eight PwDs for their contributions in different sectors. They were given Rs 25,000 and a citation each. They are Rabi Shabar of Nuapada, Madan Mohan Choudhuri and Rakhal Kumar Sethi of Bhadrak, Gajalaxmi Ray of Puri, Suresh Behera, Debashish Senapati and Anuska Acharya of Bhubaneswar and Amarendra Nath of Rayagada.
The Sambalpur district was awarded as the Best Performing District in PwD welfare sector. The district was given Rs 50,000 and a citation.