Shillong witnessed a renewed push for disability empowerment initiatives as Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar visited the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRCSRE) during his three-day tour of Meghalaya on Sunday.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed the functioning of the Centre and interacted with beneficiaries, parents and staff members, assessing the impact of its therapeutic services, vocational training, assistive technology support and educational programmes.
He praised the Centre’s role in strengthening rehabilitation and empowerment services for persons with disabilities in the state.
Addressing officials, Kumar said the next phase of development would begin once land and infrastructure formalities are completed, paving the way for construction and expansion of a full-fledged CRC campus with modern equipment and upgraded training facilities.
He noted that CRCs and National Institutes functioning under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities are playing a key role nationwide in delivering rehabilitation, therapy and vocational services to Divyangjan.
Reiterating the Centre government’s focus on inclusive growth, the Minister said initiatives such as scholarships, skill development programmes, assistive devices and livelihood schemes are enabling persons with disabilities to move towards self-reliance. He also highlighted the role of Prime Minister Divyang Centres in ensuring timely assessment and distribution of support equipment.
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The Minister was received by P. P. Mohanty, Director of the Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research, and Ram Shakal Sahani, Director of CRCSRE Shillong.
A detailed presentation on the Centre’s ongoing programmes and future roadmap was made by Dr. Sahani, followed by cultural performances by students and beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries also shared personal success stories during the programme.
As part of the visit, the Minister distributed teaching-learning materials, cerebral palsy chairs and sewing machines to beneficiaries to support self-employment, independence and skill-based livelihoods.
The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Social Welfare Department of Meghalaya, CRCSRE-Shillong, organisations working for persons with disabilities, along with beneficiaries and their families.
