Sri Vijaya Puram, October 29: The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), A & N Islands, Brookshabad, organised an Awareness-cum-Orientation Programme on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, Government Welfare Schemes for Divyangjan, and the Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) today at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Rural Development, ULBs and PRIs, A&N Administration. Held under the theme “Know the Rights, Access the Schemes, Empower Divyangjan,” the programme was organised for Pradhans and Panchayat Secretaries of South Andaman to strengthen grassroots awareness and promote disability inclusion.
Dr. Apporva Sharma, Director, Rural Development, ULBs & PRIs, A&N Administration, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He emphasised that Panchayati Raj Institutions, being the closest administrative bodies to local communities, have a crucial role in identifying persons with disabilities, addressing their needs and ensuring their meaningful participation in village development, so that no person with a disability is left behind.
Mrs. Sumithamol S., Director, CRC, A&N Islands, welcomed the Chief Guest and the participants. She highlighted the importance of coordination between CRC and PRIs in identifying persons with disabilities, facilitating access to rehabilitation services and extending government scheme benefits to eligible beneficiaries, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The technical sessions were covered by the rehabilitation professionals of CRC, A & N Islands. Around 35 Pradhans and Panchayat Secretaries from South Andaman attended. The technical sessions covered CRC’s rehabilitation services, the RPwD Act, 2016 and the 21 specified disabilities, identification and referral of persons with disabilities, linkage with welfare schemes, and the role of PRIs in disability-inclusive village planning. An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to seek clarification on the Act, services and practical approaches to inclusion at the Panchayat level.
The programme concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen coordination between CRC and PRIs for effective implementation of disability-inclusive initiatives across the Union Territory. It is expected to improve awareness of the RPwD Act and CRC’s services, build the capacity of Panchayat representatives to identify and refer persons with disabilities, and improve their linkage with government welfare schemes.
CRC, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with government departments and grassroots institutions to advance the empowerment, rehabilitation and social inclusion of Divyangjan across the Union Territory, a press release from the Director, CRC, A & N Islands, said.
