Chief Secy inaugurates Odisha Youth Conclave in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: Odisha Youth Conclave for physically challenged persons has been inaugurated today by Chief Secretary Sri Gokul Chandra Pati in the premises of Hotel Crown here. In his inaugural address Chief Secretary emphasized upon appropriate identification of hidden abilities and special qualities in the differently able persons.
These qualities, added Sri Pati can be enhanced through education, technological access and skill training. Chief Secretary also emphasized on entrepreneurship development among the youths so that they themselves become the employers instead of searching for an employment.
Sri Pati advised the Secretary Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disability Sri Saswat Mishra present in the meeting, to develop a network of competent NGOs and agencies for imparting appropriate skills to the physically challenged youths. Sri Pati assured all Govt support to differently able youths of they come up with innovative enterprising projects.
Speaking on the occasion Sri Lov Verma, Secretary Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Govt of India said , Odisha has emerged as a model State in the empowerment and welfare of the physically challenged persons for many other States in the country.
He also informed that very soon the Programmes like National Programme for skill development of persons with disability and Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan will be started in Odisha. Sri Verma informed that under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan around 25-50 Govt buildings in smaller cities and 50-100 Govt buildings in big cities would be identified and necessary arrangements would be made to make them easily accessible for physically challenged persons.
Addressing the inaugural session Sri Saswat Mishra, Secretary Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability spoke about various Govt aids and assistance available for empowerment of persons with disability. Sri Mishra asked all the youths participating in the seminar to apply for the scholarship online within 30th September. He also urged upon them to help their other differently able friends to apply for the scholarship and avail the opportunity.
The Conclave was organized by Swabhiman, a leading NGO working for empowerment and welfare of disable persons. Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Chief Executive of Swabhiman gave the key note address. Among others, the luminaries like Padmashree Dr. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, Dr Monorama Mohapatra Former Editor Odia daily, The Samaj also attended the inaugural session. The one day conclave was organized in seven sessions.