Social Security and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities Minister Prafulla Samal on Monday said a 400-bed hostel for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) would be constructed at the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped (VRCH) premises here soon.
The State Government would provide Rs 14 crore for setting up the seven-storied hostel in two years, he said while speaking at the valedictory function of the VRCH held here.
Officials said as many as 233 Persons with Disabilities, comprising 135 boys and 98 girls, were made skilled electrician, accounts assistant, basic sewing operator and beauty parlour designer through skill training jointly provided by the Centre-run VRCH and the State Social Security and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities Department (SSEPD) during the last year.
Toolkits were distributed to the trainees to help them to set up their own start-ups. The toolkits were sponsored by the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
Among others, SSEPD Principal Secretary Niten Chandra, Employment Director and Odisha Skill Development Authority Member Secretary G Rajesh and SSEPD Director Mansi Nimbhal graced as guests.
Niten Chandra said the SSEPD has planned to provide skill development training to 5,000 PwDs every year.
Assistant Director (Employment) Ram Kishor Sharma presided over the programme and VRCH’s J Padmanav Rao proposed a vote of thanks.
On the occasion, 29 PwDs were provided self-employment toolkits and 33 PwDs provided course completion certificates.