By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 1: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, visited the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) in Shillong on Sunday as part of his three-day official tour of Meghalaya.
During the visit, the union minister reviewed the centre’s rehabilitation and skill development programmes and announced that a full-fledged CRC campus with advanced equipment and enhanced training facilities would be constructed once land and infrastructure formalities are finalised.
Stressing the government’s commitment to inclusive development, Dr. Kumar stated that the empowerment of persons with disabilities remains a top priority under the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
He highlighted that various initiatives, including scholarships, assistive device distribution and livelihood schemes, are designed to help Divyangjan achieve dignity and self-reliance.
The programme featured testimonials from beneficiaries.
Topa Dey, a student in the centre’s free job coaching programme, shared that she successfully cleared the SBI preliminary examination and encouraged others to utilise the facility.
Shantanu Behra, an Assam Rifles personnel, expressed relief that the establishment of the Shillong centre has made regular treatment for his son more accessible, eliminating the need to travel to Guwahati.
The union minister also distributed aids and appliances, including teaching-learning materials, cerebral palsy chairs and sewing machines to promote self-employment.
The event was attended by Dr. PP Mohanty, Director of SVNIRTAR; Dr. Ram Shakal Sahani, Director of CRCSRE Shillong and Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Director of the state Social Welfare department, alongside other senior officials and representatives of organisations working for persons with disabilities.
