Shillong, March 21: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, visited the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRCSRE), Shillong, on Sunday as part of his three-day official tour to Meghalaya.
During his visit, the union minister reviewed the ongoing activities of the Centre and interacted with beneficiaries, parents and staff members. He expressed satisfaction over the progress made in providing therapeutic services, skill development training, assistive devices and educational support to persons with disabilities in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Kumar stated that upon completion of land and infrastructure formalities, construction and expansion of a full-fledged CRC campus would be taken up, with advanced equipment and enhanced training facilities to further strengthen services. He highlighted that CRCs across the country, along with National Institutes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, are working extensively to provide rehabilitation, vocational training and therapeutic interventions to Divyangjan.
Reiterating the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive development, the Minister emphasised that empowerment of persons with disabilities remains a key priority under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.” He noted that scholarships, skill development initiatives, distribution of assistive devices and livelihood promotion schemes are enabling Divyangjan to achieve self-reliance and dignity. He also referred to the establishment of Prime Minister Divyang Centres aimed at streamlining assessment and timely distribution of assistive devices.
The Minister was received by Dr. PP Mohanty, Director, Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Cuttack, Odisha, and Dr. Ram Shakal Sahani, Director, CRCSRE Shillong.
A detailed presentation highlighting the activities and achievements of the Centre was delivered by Dr. Ram Shakal Sahani, with an overview of the centre’s outreach programmes and future developmental plans, followed by cultural performances by students and beneficiaries.
During the programme, beneficiaries shared their experiences.
Topa Dey, a student enrolled in the Centre’s free job coaching programme, thanked the Union Minister and faculty members for initiating coaching classes for competitive examinations. She shared that she had successfully cleared the preliminary examination for SBI and is receiving a monthly stipend as financial support. She encouraged fellow students to take the course seriously for a better future.
Shantanu Behra, father of beneficiary Biswajit Behra, also shared his testimony. Originally from Odisha and currently serving in the Assam Rifles, he recounted that his son was identified as a special child at a young age and was earlier referred to CRC Guwahati for services. He expressed relief that with the establishment of CRC Shillong, regular treatment and support became more accessible. He stated that the Centre has brought positive transformation in his child’s life and expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication and service.
On the occasion, the Union Minister distributed aids and appliances to beneficiaries, including teaching-learning materials, cerebral palsy chairs and sewing machines to promote self-employment and functional independence.
The programme was attended by Dr. Ram Shakal Sahani, Director, CRCSRE-Shillong; Dr. P. P. Mohanty, Director, SVNIRTAR; Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Director, Social Welfare Department, along with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior officers of the Social Welfare Department; officials of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; staff and students of CRC-Shillong; representatives of organisations working for persons with disabilities; and beneficiaries and their parents.
