Like last year, this time too, Public Sector Units (PSUs) and Central Government Departments have intriguingly drawn a blank in qualifying in any category for the prestigious National Award 2018, announced on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) on December 3.
The award is given every year by the Union Ministry of Social Empowerment and Justice to individuals and institutions working for the welfare of the PwDs.
A total 16 institutions and 56 individuals from the private sector and a few States were conferred with the award at an event held to mark the day.
There were three categories where nominations were sought from the PSUs and Government Departments too.
However, the fact that none of its departments and Navratnas (PSUs) could meet the criteria to clinch the best employer award under the category ‘Award for the Outstanding Wok in the Creation of Barrier-Free Environment for the
Persons with Disabilities,’ speaks volumes of the long way the Modi Government has to go to meet the aspirations of the sector such as ensuring enough jobs and inclusive environment.
The Government has launched mega India Accessibility Campaign to create universal accessibility environ for the sector.
In private sector, Karnataka-based IBM bagged the award under the category ‘Award for the Outstanding Wok in the Creation of Barrier-Free Environment for the Persons with Disabilities.’
From the private sector, Radhambika S on behalf of Sivavasu Electronics from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala bagged the award under the segment ‘Award for Best Employers and Placement Officer or Agency’.
In fact Madhya Pradesh stole the show with its district Singrauli, Indore and Nagda Municipal Corporations walking away with the award
Similarly, no PSU and government department was found to be inspiring enough to be felicitated under the ‘best employee or agency’ category even as Employment Department of the National Association for Blind (NAB) and R Hari, GM Human Resources of the Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd bagged the award under the segment.
Tripura-based Abhoy Misson and Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan, Uttar Pradesh and Montfort Centre for Education, MEGHALAYA were felicitated for providing holistic comprehensive services to the persons with disabilities in a comprehensive manner.
Award for the ‘Best District in Providing Rehabilitation Service’ went to Thiruvallur (Tamil Nadu) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) while ‘Best State Channelizing Agency of National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation’ award was given to Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation
On the occasion, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, who conferred the award, said the sector needs empathy and not sympathy and the awardees serve as the role model to others.