Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the Prabudh 'Matri Shakti Sammelan' organized by SAKSHAM to educate and create awareness among women on preventing avoidable disabilities and empowering Divyang persons. The Minister emphasized that mothers are often the first to recognize a child's developmental or health concerns, making women's awareness crucial for early identification of disabilities. He stated that with appropriate awareness during pregnancy, including regular antenatal check-ups and recommended screening, certain disorders can be detected early, allowing timely medical intervention and reducing preventable risks.
The initiative focuses on making educated and aware women active partners in Divyang Seva and empowerment, with particular emphasis on mothers, teachers, healthcare workers, and community leaders. The Minister highlighted that prevention efforts should begin before a child is born through awareness about maternal health, adequate nutrition, antenatal care, infection prevention, safe medicine use, and regular health check-ups.
The government has implemented several measures over the last decade to support persons with disabilities, including the establishment of India's first high-tech Sports Training Centre for Divyangjan in Madhya Pradesh, which has contributed to India's record-breaking performance of 29 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Cross-disability early treatment centres are being set up across the country to facilitate identification and assistance for children with disabilities from infancy.
For government employees with Divyang children, support measures include exemption from rotational transfer, Children Education Allowance up to age 22 years, consideration for posting near medical facilities, and two years of paid Child Care Leave under relevant government provisions. The Minister emphasized that these measures reflect the need for a comprehensive support system addressing the entire journey from pregnancy to self-reliance.
The event was attended by MLA Rajeev Jasrotia, who appreciated the work done in the region during the Modi regime, and Abhay Pargal, National Secretary of Saksham, who detailed the organization's programs for Divyang empowerment across the country, including previous programs in Jammu & Kashmir and Kathua.