The
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya
has said that India is committed in fulfilling its obligations
at the national and international level for the welfare of persons
with disabilities and their integration into the mainstream
of society. Inaugurating the In-Country
Meeting on Promotion of Employment Opportunities for the Disabled
in South East Asia region here today, Dr. Jatiya
said that the Meeting would provide an opportunity for sharing
past experiences for expanding employment opportunities for
people with disabilities. He said this will also help in the
prevention of disabilities. Dr. Jatiya said that all countries
in our region share a history of low level development which
has resulted in a large number of people suffering from various
diseases and different forms of disabilities. He said that India
has focused on preventive aspects of various diseases and disability.
Apprising the participants about the measures taken by India
in this regard, Dr. Jatiya said that the Parliament has accorded
statutory backing to the empowerment and welfare measures for
the people with disabilities. He said that six National Institutes,
five Composite Regional Centres and 85 District Rehabilitation
Centres have been set up for prevention and rehabilitation of
people with disabilities. He said that these Centres are also
engaged in realising the potential of the people with disabilities.
The Minister said 3% reservation has been provided in government
jobs for disabled people and is making public places, public
transport system etc. barrier free.
Thailand,
Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives,
Bhutan besides India are taking part in the one-day Meeting.
The Meeting has been jointly organised by the World Health Organisation
and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
