Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the Prabudh 'Matri Shakti Sammelan' organized by SAKSHAM, emphasizing the critical role of maternal awareness in early identification and prevention of disabilities in children. The Minister stressed that mothers are often the first to recognize developmental or health concerns in children, making women's awareness crucial for early intervention through regular antenatal check-ups, recommended screening, and timely medical advice during pregnancy.
The government has implemented several measures over the past 12 years to support persons with disabilities, including the establishment of India's first high-tech Sports Training Centre for Divyangjan in Madhya Pradesh, which contributed to India's record-breaking performance of 29 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Cross-disability early treatment centers are being set up nationwide to facilitate identification and assistance for children with disabilities from infancy.
For government employees with Divyang children, specific measures include exemption from rotational transfer, Children Education Allowance up to age 22, consideration for posting near medical facilities, and two years of paid Child Care Leave under relevant provisions. The initiative focuses on creating awareness about maternal health, nutrition, infection prevention, and safe medication use during pregnancy and early childhood.
The event was attended by MLA Rajeev Jasrotia, who acknowledged developmental work in Kathua district, and Abhay Pargal, National Secretary of SAKSHAM, who detailed the organization's programs for Divyang empowerment across India, including previous initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir.