Tamil Nadu awarded for empowerment of persons with disabilities

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu on Friday, October 3, was awarded the best state for promoting empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwD) in the Government of India’s national-level awards for the disability sector. President of India Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony, awarded various states, non-government organisations (NGOs) and government departments on the occasion of International Day of PwD.

Tamil Nadu was awarded for its work in taking up and implementing the programmes for rehabilitation and empowerment of PwD’. The state has allocated highest budget for the department concerned with PwD as well as issued 13.35 lakh disability certificates. Tamil Nadu has also recognised 382 special schools run by NGOs. The state has also taken various initiatives for the rehabilitation of mentally ill people who are abandoned by their family and are found roaming around the streets. They are rescued and admitted to the hospital under the ‘Rescue Scheme’ through NGOs and are provided with food, shelter, medical facilities, etc.

Among the government departments, the Public Works Department of Nashik was awarded for the ‘outstanding work in creation of a barrier free environment’ and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Vikas Pradhikaran was also recognised in the same category among urban local bodies.