Question : World Disability Day

(a) whether the Government has observed World Disability Day recently, if so, the details thereof along with the theme and focus of the event and the programmes organized ;

(b) the extent to which the objectives of observing the said event has been/is likely to be achieved;

(c) the quantum of financial allocation for various schemes for disabled persons during each of the last three years for the States of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra;

(d) whether many of the disabled persons are not aware of the schemes implemented by the Government for the welfare of the disabled and if so, whether the Government will launch awareness drive among the disabled persons; and

(e) whether the Government has any plan to implement awareness programmes to focus on the prevention of disabilities apart from rehabilitation of such persons, if so, the details thereof and the action taken so far by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)

(a) and (b) The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and organizations under the Department organize events/programmes on 3rd December i.e. International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ every year. On the occasion, National Awards are conferred on individuals and institutions for their outstanding achievements/work done towards empowerment of persons with disabilities. However, due to the situation of COVID-19 pandemic, these awards could not be conferred on 3rd December, 2020.

(c) The Department implements various Central Sector Schemes for the welfare and rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under which State-wise funds are not allocated.

(d) and (e) The Department is implementing a scheme entitled ‘Awareness Generation and Publicity Scheme’ under which grants are released for giving publicity to the schemes/ programmes of the Government; educate Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and civil society about legal rights of PwDs, sensitize employers on special needs of PwDs; promote awareness and sensitize society on causes leading to disability; support awareness campaign for skill development & employment generation for PwDs; support spreading awareness about universal accessibility and sporting and abilympics activities to promote talent and skill among PwDs.
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