Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Year End Review 2023 | 06 Jan 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the year-end-review of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the year 2023 was released.

What are the Key Highlights of the Initiatives and Achievements?

• Historic Gatherings and Festivals for Inclusion:
  • The Department hosted events like a special gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan and India's First Festival of Inclusion (Purple Fest) in Goa, involving thousands of Divyangjan and transgenders, setting world records, and fostering a sense of belonging.
• India-South Africa cooperation in Disability Sector:
  • The Union Cabinet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of India and the Government of South Africa, focused on cooperation in the Disability Sector.
• Divya Kala Mela:
  • The Divya Kala Mela 2023, held in different cities throughout the year, stands as a testament to the Government's commitment to fostering holistic development and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
  • With a vision aligned with the Prime Minister's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Government aims to ensure equal participation of divyang individuals in India's overall growth.
• Disabilities Awareness Days:
  • The DEPwD embarked on a year-long celebration, commemorating various disability awareness like World Braille Day on January 4 to International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2023d in 2023.
• Recognition of Achievements:
  • Government felicitated Abilympics winners, honoring Indian Deaf Cricket Team and Para Swimmer Shri Satendra Singh Lohia, celebrating excellence in the field of disabilities, and recognizing their contributions.
• Initiatives and Reforms:
  • The government launched transformative programs like integrating universal accessibility courses into architectural programs, releasing anonymous data through UDID (Unique Disability ID) portal, and introducing portals for skill training, employment opportunities, and online case monitoring.
• Empowering Through Entrepreneurship:
  • Government partnered with institutes to support and empower 3000 Persons with Disabilities through enterprise initiatives, fostering collaboration between government, corporate, and institutions.
• Technology and Accessible Resources:
  • The government launched ISL (Indian Sign Language) dictionary terms, Video Relay Service, and online courses in Indian Sign Language, along with ensuring accessible books through SugamyaPustakalaya.
• Sports and High-Tech Training Centers:
  • Inaugurated India’s first high-tech sports training center for Divyangjan, named after former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing equal opportunities in sports and talent enhancement.
• Legal Support and Financial Inclusion:
  • Delivered impactful judgments, providing interest rate rebates to divyangjan borrowers, promoting financial inclusion through NDFDC loans, and collaborating for universal design centers for reading.
    • DEPwD announces 1% interest rate rebate to divyangjan borrowers under NDFDC Loan.
• Assistance to Disabled Persons Camp (ADIP) Scheme:
  • The Scheme witnesses remarkable achievements, with grants-in-aid totaling Rs.368.05 crore, benefiting 2.91 lakh beneficiaries.