Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot graced the event organized on the occasion
of Sir Louie Braille’s birthday here today. On the occasion,270 Smart Phones
and 40 Daisy Players distributedto students with visual impairment under ADIP
scheme of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
(Divyangjan), Ministry
of Social Justice & Empowerment. Scholarships cheques worth Rs. 5.00
lakhs also distributed to each of 66 Students with visual impairment under
National Scholarship Scheme of National Federation of the Blind.
During the event,the Minister said that the
government is dedicated for holistic development of every section of the
society with the motto of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas”. He expressed his happiness
that the Department has successfully created four world records so far which
shows the commitment of the government towards the Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities.
During the event, Shri Awanish Kumar
Awasthi, Joint Secretary, DEPwD said that recently passed RPWD Act, 2016 will
add a new dimension for the empowerment of Divyangjans. He encouraged students
getting Smart Phones under ADIP scheme to use the Speech to Text feature for
educating themselves for their further empowerment.
Chairman of National Federation of Blind
Shri Santosh Kumar Rungta thanked the Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment and the Department for supporting wholeheartedly in welfare
schemes for Divyangjans.
Before this programme various All India
competitions including Braille Reading and Writing, Debate competitions, Essay
writing and Music competitions were organized by National Federation of Blind
at its headquarter at Pushp Vihar, New Delhi on 3rd and 4th
January 2016. Around 500 contestants from various states
participated in the competitions.Among which 30 Prizes were distributed
to the winners of Braille Reading and Writing competitions for senior and
junior level, Debate competitions for junior and senior level, Essay writing
and Music competitions.
The Purpose of National Federation of
the Blind is to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.
Since its beginning in 1940, the NFB has been providing public education about
blindness, information and referral services, scholarships, Literature and
publication about blind, advocacy services and protection of civil rights, employment
assistance and support services.The Department has also granted Rs. 49.5 lakhs
to NFB for modernization of Braille Press in their organization under “Central
Sector Scheme of Support for establishment, modernization, capacity
augmentation of Braille Presses” scheme.
*****
Sanjay
Kumar/jk/MoSJ&E/04.01.2017
