October 13, 2018
A state level skill training programme for people with mental disabilities, jointly conducted by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation and MS Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation (MSCT&RF), was inaugurated on October 13, 2018, at the trust’s Bodhi campus in Alagar Koil, Madurai.
The programme will be conducted for 20 participants in dairy farming and vermin composting for a period of 150 hours and 200 hours respectively that will enable participants earn a sustainable source of income and ensure a stable livelihood.
Dr. C. Ramasubramanian (Dr. CRS) welcomed the distinguished digitates, special invitees and participants.
Dr. S. Natarajan, IAS, District Collector, Madurai, lit the ‘Kuthuvilakku’ and distributed welfare schemes to persons with disability. In his address, he said that a range of activities were being undertaken by the District Administration to create inclusive spaces for people with disabilities by increasing their employment opportunities through appropriate skill training. He also said that Madurai district will shortly begin coaching classes to enable people with disabilities crack various government exams, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Besides, he promised to provide housing assistance free of charge for people with disabilities in the district and said that the district administration has already issued Disability cards for 44,000 persons with disability in the district.
Thiru T. Sankarapandian, Sr. Consultant, MSCT&RF, provided an overview of the skill training programme, its aims, objectives, selection criteria and a plan of action.
Ln. Dr. Pari Parameshwaran, Syndicate Member, Madurai Kamaraj University and Lions Governor, International Association of Lions Club, Madurai and Thiru K.B. Bramanayagam, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, Madurai, felicitated and appreciated the commitment of MSCT&RF in promoting mental health in society.
In the inaugural address, Tmt. B. Maheshwari, IAS, State Commissioner for the Welfare of the Differently Abled, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, said that disability cards have been distributed to 1.88 lakhs persons in the state so far and reservations in the field of education and employment have been ensured for persons with disability. She requested everyone to show love, compassion and concern towards persons with disability and was confident that the skill training programme would have a positive impact on participants.
Tmt. B. Jothi Nirmalasamy, IAS, Managing Director, Tamilnadu Skill Development Corporation, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, delivered the Chief Guest’s address. She said that it was matter of pride and honour that Tamil Nadu is a pioneer state in India in instituting welfare schemes for persons with disability. She appreciated the activities of MSCT&RF in extending a scientific approach and humane approach towards people with mental illness in Erwadi, following the fire tragedy in 2001.
She reiterated that in collaboration with the Department of Welfare of Differently Abled, the Department of Employment and Training would strive to increase the number of vacancies for people with disabilities from the existing 4 percent to 10 percent.
Tmt. Rajkumari Ramasubramanian, Executive Director, MSCT&RF, thanked the dignitaries for gracing the occasion. She also thanked the family members of the persons with mental disabilities and staff team for their commitment towards people with mental disabilities.
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