HIRANAGAR: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said empowering mothers with the right knowledge can play a crucial role in the early identification of disabilities and developmental concerns in children.
Addressing the Prabudh “Matri Shakti Sammelan” organised by SAKSHAM, Dr Singh said mothers are often the first to notice changes in a child’s health or development and therefore need to be equipped with adequate awareness about prevention, screening and timely medical intervention.
He said appropriate awareness during pregnancy, including regular antenatal check-ups and recommended screening, could help identify certain disorders at an early stage and enable timely medical advice and intervention.
The Sammelan was organised to involve educated, aware and socially responsible women in the mission of Divyang Seva, empowerment and prevention of avoidable disabilities, with particular focus on mothers, teachers, healthcare workers and community leaders.
Dr Singh said efforts to prevent avoidable disabilities should begin as early as possible, even before the birth of a child.
He underlined the importance of maternal health, adequate nutrition, antenatal care, prevention of infections, safe use of medicines, regular health check-ups and timely consultation with medical professionals.
The Minister said awareness among women and families could help in early identification, appropriate referral and timely access to support systems for children with disabilities.
He added that women could also become strong advocates for Divyang empowerment by ensuring access to education, rehabilitation, assistive devices, skill development, employment opportunities and avenues for self-reliance.
Govt Strengthening Early Intervention
Dr Singh said the Government had taken several steps over the last decade to strengthen support systems for persons with disabilities and create greater opportunities for their participation in society.
He referred to the establishment of cross-disability early intervention centres across the country to facilitate early identification and assistance for children with disabilities from infancy.
He said timely treatment, rehabilitation and support could help children realise their developmental potential and participate more fully in education and society.
The Minister also referred to India’s first high-tech Sports Training Centre for Divyangjan in Madhya Pradesh, saying such infrastructure had helped create an enabling ecosystem for sporting excellence and contributed to India’s record 29-medal haul at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Support for Employees With Divyang Children
Dr Singh also highlighted measures available for Government employees having Divyang children, including exemption from rotational transfer, Children Education Allowance up to the age of 22 years, consideration for posting near medical facilities and two years of paid Child Care Leave, subject to applicable rules.
He said these measures reflected the need for a comprehensive support system covering pregnancy, early childhood, education, rehabilitation, skill development and eventual self-reliance.
The Minister said the objective of the Matri Shakti Sammelan was not limited to supporting Divyang persons in the present but also to create awareness for a healthier, more inclusive and empowered generation.
“Every mother aware, every family empowered, every child given the best possible beginning, and no one left behind,” he said.
MLA Rajeev Jasrotia, speaking on the occasion, appreciated the developmental work undertaken in Kathua district over the past 12 years and credited Dr Jitendra Singh for sustained efforts in the region.
Abhay Pargal, National Secretary, SAKSHAM, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the organisation’s initiatives for the empowerment of Divyang persons across the country, including programmes organised earlier in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present were Swami Vishwanand, Government Degree College Principal Dr Pragya Khanna, SAKSHAM State President Shri Attri, Manjeet Singh Jasrotia and others.
