Samba, December 28: In a momentous occasion for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment laid the foundation stone for the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Skill Development, empowerment, and rehabilitation of Divyangjans at Village Chak Jawala Singh, Tehsil Vijaypur, Samba, through virtual mode.
The CRC to be constructed by NBCC, will span over 38 kanals 18 marlas of land in Samba near AIIMS-Jammu, UT of J&K. The estimated construction cost is Rs 29 crores, with an MoU signed with NBCC to initiate the construction and complete it within one year.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD), New Delhi, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJ&E, Govt. of India, will have administrative control over CRC. This initiative aims to offer holistic rehabilitation services for 21 categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and conduct skill development training for Divyangjans. Various government schemes, including UDID card registration and Niramaya Yojana, will be implemented at the center.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar MoSJE said that Hon’ble Prime Minister led Government is implementing various welfare schemes for Persons with Disabilities in the country. He acknowledged the various initiatives taken for Persons with Disabilities in J&K, especially after the abrogation of Article 370.
He highlighted the addition of 21 disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Nirmaya Scheme, UDID cards and other such initiatives undertaken for the betterment of Divyangjans. He also commended UT Administration’s special focus on empowering Divyangjans in J&K UT and for providing a temporary center in Jammu. The commitment of the Modi led Government to reach the last mile citizens and ensuring inclusive development of Divyangjans, he said.
The CRC aims to cater to the rehabilitation services for various categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and conduct skill development training, fostering their independent living in society. Minister emphasized initiatives like UDID, Niramaya Yojana, and skill training to provide meaningful livelihoods and professional development for Divyangjans. The objective is to ensure that every Divyangjan receives free treatment.Efforts will be made to establish an early intervention center for children up to six years old with intellectual disabilities.
Union Minister also commended the ongoing VYOM Purple Fest in Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing its role in bringing out hidden talents through sports. The festival not only appreciates exceptional sportspersons but also contributes to the overall upliftment of Divyangjans. He stated that with the recent approval of four more CRCs, PM Modi’s focus remains on reaching the last-mile citizens, connecting them with schemes, and empowering them.He expressed hope that by 2025, the CRC building will be completed.
The establishment of CRC marks a crucial step towards a developed and inclusive India, where every citizen, including Divyangjans, contributes to nation-building, he said.
Member Parliament Sh Jugal Kishore Sharma termed the occassion as a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed gratitude to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and UT Administration for their support. He acknowledged the efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi towards the empowerment of Divyangjans.
DDC Chairman Samba Sh Keshav Dutt Sharma expressed his joy, stating that this is an opportunity to fulfill Hon’ble PM’s vision of ensuring that Divyangjans live with dignity and enhance their skills for livelihood.
The event witnessed the presence of Vice Chairman Samba Balwan Singh, Rajesh Aggarwal (Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment), Rajiv Sharma (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment), Dr. Jitender Sharma (Director, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Institute of Physical Disabilities, New Delhi), SSP Samba Benam Tosh, DDC members among others.
