14-05-2025
Mandya shows the way in inclusive devpt for specially-abled
Mandya: To ensure holistic development of specially-abled individuals, officials from the district to the village levels in Mandya are coming together in what is being seen as a first for the state.
From ensuirng optimum nutrition for pregnant women to setting up dedicated libraries, a slew of measures are on the anvil to cater to the needs of this segment of at a programme held at Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Kalamandira, Das Suryavamshi, the state commissioner for Rights of Persons with Disabilities, said "Mandya is setting a historic precedent," focusing on the welfare of women, children, and specially-abled citizens as part of a model for inclusive programme was organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, and the department for empowerment of the differently-abled and senior programme focused on the effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and brought together officers from the district, taluk, and gram panchayat levels, rural rehabilitation workers, and NGO leaders.K R Nandini, the CEO of the zilla panchayat, said: "Officials must focus not only on fulfilling the mandated 5% reservation for specially-abled individuals, but also on ensuring their overall development through skill training, employment opportunities, and accessible healthcare."Nandini noted nearly 12,000 children had taken part in innovative, free summer camps held across the district."Following the welfare of children, the comprehensive development of the specially-abled community must be our top priority," she said, urging officials at all levels to work in collaboration to ensure inclusive CEO highlighted the importance of maternal health, emphasising that better nutrition and care during pregnancy can significantly reduce disabilities. She urged the women and child health departments to intensify efforts to provide nutritious food, ensure vaccinations, and essential healthcare for pregnant officer also revealed that exclusive libraries for specially-abled individuals will soon be established in every taluk of Mandya district.
