Centre assures support for new composite rehabilitation centre

New Delhi: The Centre today assured support for establishing a new Composite Rehabilitation Centre at a cost of Rs 60 crore in Sikkim.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of Samajik Adhikarita Shivir for free distribution of aids and assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under the ADIP Scheme of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Gangtok, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot assured support for the project, a statement here said.

Gehlot assured Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling all necessary support by the Centre for implementation of the Scheme of distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices (ADIP), Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, Scheme for District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, Scheme of Cochlear Implant, Scheme for Vocational Training for PwDs and Braille Presses, the statement added.

Speaking on the occasion Chamling said the State Government has already identified more than 9000 PwDs and disability pension of Rs 600 is being paid by the State Government.

Reiterating the State Government's commitment for supporting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014, he sought setting up a Composite Rehabilitation Centre at Gangtok.

He further stated that the Union Minister's presence at Gangtok re-affirms the love and affection of Prime Minister towards the people of Sikkim and his commitment for development of Sikkim, the statement added.

A total of 419 beneficiaries were identified in Sikkim and Total Learning Material Kits, Lap tops, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs, Braille Kits and other items valued at Rs 32 lakh were distributed to identified beneficiaries, it said.