Shillong, Sept 21: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar on Tuesday said the Centre, through the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill – 2016’ has increased the reservation for divyangs(differently abled people) from 3 to 4 per cent in central government services and 5 per cent in education sector.
The types of disabilities have increased from 7 to 21.
Kumar said his ministry is committed to build an inclusive society for the divyangs.
He chaired a meeting with the officials of the department of Social Welfare and NGOs dealing with social justice and empowerment.
The minister emphasised on skill training programmes for empowerment of divyangs.
He said around 10,000 divyang camps were organised after 2014 in the country, wherein more than Rs 20 crore divyangs were given various aids worth Rs 500 crore.
Earlier, the union minister visited Kripa Foundation at Upper Lachaumiere, and spoke with the inmates.
The union minister recalled the achievement made during the recent Tokyo 2020 Paralympics held in August-September, 2021 where the Indian paralympians created history by winning 19 medals including 5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze.
He said his government has taken initiatives for a special sports training institute for the divyangs at various places in the country, including one in Shillong.
