₹100 crore projects launched for disability inclusion

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The government signed 72 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with startups and organisations across multiple disability sectors in 2024 marking a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and innovation. These agreements announced on Monday, demonstrate a commitment to collaboration in empowering persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). In a year marked by transformative initiatives projects worth over Rs 100 crore were launched to improve rehabilitation facilities and promote inclusivity. The newly constructed Service Block of the National Institute of Mental Health and Rehabilitation (NIMHR) was among the key inaugurations according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’ celebrated nine years of advancing accessibility under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative has empowered Divyangjan to lead lives of dignity, equality and opportunity. As part of these efforts a centrally maintained helpline number 14456 was introduced to simplify access to assistance ensuring streamlined service delivery. In collaboration with the National Association for the Blind approximately 10,000 pages of government schemes and legal relief documents were made accessible to individuals with visual disabilities. The Indian Sign Language (ISL) dictionary was expanded this year with 2,500 new terms covering diverse fields such as mathematics science higher education, sports and infrastructure. To broaden its reach the dictionary is now available in 10 regional languages enhancing accessibility across India’s diverse linguistic landscape.

The government also organised multiple Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes on employability skills for persons with disabilities ensuring effective training delivery nationwide. Additionally 35 new district disability rehabilitation centres (DDRC) were established significantly expanding access to vital rehabilitation services.A landmark celebration of diversity and inclusion was held at Rashtrapati Bhawan bringing together over 10,000 Divyangjan and their escorts. Key initiatives launched during the event included the ‘India Neurodiversity Platform’ and a handbook on disability-sensitive language. These milestones of 2024 reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive society laying a strong foundation for continued progress in empowering Divyangjan across the nation.