Madurai district will begin coaching classes for the differently abled to crack various government exams, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, said Collector S. Natarajan.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the State’s skill training programme for the differently abled conducted by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation and M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation, here on Saturday.
The skill development programme will be conducted for 20 students in dairy farming and vermicomposting for a total of 150 and 200 hours respectively. The students will hence be able to earn a sustained living, said members of the M. S. Chellamuthu Trust.
The Collector said that various activities were being undertaken by the district administration to provide an equal footing for the differently abled. These involve special reviews during the weekly grievance meetings, better housing and tricycle facilities. Thanking M. S. Chellamuthu Trust for their goodwill and service, the Collector said that implementation of these projects would be their primary focus.
B. Jothi Nirmalasamy, Commissioner of Employment and Training said, “It is mandatory to fill four percent of vacancies with those who are differently abled. However, my department and the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled should work towards making it 10 percent”. She added that providing skill development training to the differently abled would help in reducing the fear that families of these youth harbour. “We often come across families wondering what their child’s future would be like after they are gone. Providing rehabilitation and space for work would help in ensuring a sustained and quality future,” she said.
She also said that M.S. Chellamuthu Trust was working with religious institutions to dispel the fear and stigma attached to mental illness. This, she added, should be replicated in institutions across the country.
“Please spread awareness regarding availability of skill training. The State and Central governments are working towards setting up independent businesses for the differently abled youth,” said B. Maheshwari, Commissioner for the Welfare of the Differently Abled.
S. Pari Parameswaran, Syndicate member (Madurai Kamaraj University) appreciated the Trust for their significant contribution towards breaking stereotypes. He pledged to provide 10,000 dollars in support of the institution. Several other financial contributions were made on the occasions.
Officers serving in various capacities distributed prosthetics and wheelchairs for the differently abled. C. Ramasubramaian, Founder of the Trust and R. Rajkumari, Executive Director of the Trust said that they would take necessary steps to ensure that there was life beyond physical and mental disability.
