People with disabilities most marginalised segment of society: Gehlot

People with disabilities are one of the most marginalised segments in the society as many of them remain deprived of gainful employment, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot said today.

At the inaugural session of 'National Workshop on Skill Development for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)', he said every category of disability has unique ability.

"Persons with Disabilities are one of the most marginalised segments in the society. Most of them do not have access to education, training and thus remains deprived of gainful employment," he said.

"Different regions and areas in the country have different market demands. Each industry and corporate has its own requirement. For example, the requirement of apparel industry and retail sector would be entirely different. Bringing a synergy among all these three components -- ability of a particular category of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), local market demand and industry requirement is also a challenge while devising course curriculum for PwDs," the minister said.

Union Minister for Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan said so far as emerging challenges are concerned, creating adequate placement opportunity is the biggest challenge for effective implementation of the skill development programme.

Pradhan, who also holds the Petroleum and Natural Gas portfolio assured full help and cooperation both the ministries under him for the betterment of the lives of the persons with disabilities.