Counselling for parents of differently abled extremely important: Irani

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Tuesday said counselling of parents and family of people with different abilities, also known as 'Divyangjans', is extremely important for their empowerment.

"Counselling of parents and family members of Divyangjans is very important and the eco-system of the Divyangjans should be strengthened. It is very important for all Divyangjans to know about the various welfare schemes of the government for them and, for this, inclusive information is necessary," said Irani at the launch of Inclusive India Summit-2017 at Vigyan Bhavan here.

Inclusive India Summit, where the thought leaders from various sectors of country converge at a forum to discuss, debate issues and enable change for the brighter future of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PwIDDs).

Noting that educational institutions nationwide, including in rural areas, should also be sensitized about the welfare measures for the Divyangjans, Irani, who herself is taking care of a differently-abled member in her family, said career counselling for Divyangjans should also be give due importance.

According to Irani, Prime Minister's Mudra Yojana should also be used for their empowerment.

"All support and cooperation of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting including Doordarshan and All India Radio for publicizing all the schemes related to Divyangjans will be given," said Irani.

Stating that awareness was extremely important over the issue, Irani mentioned that there was situations during census where family members do not mention about any member in their family who is differently-abled.

Present on the occasion, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot, said that inclusion of people with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities in our fabric of society is essential and can only be achieved with a higher level of commitment.

"Categories of Divyangjans have been increased from 7 to 21 so that more Divyangjans may be benefited with the welfare schemes of the government. For the first time, the pre-matric, post-matric and foreign scholarships for the Divyangjans have been started," Gehlot said.

He said that now Divyangjans have been given four per cent reservation in jobs in government departments and five per cent reservation has been given in higher education.

--IANS

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