The vision of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is to build an inclusive society wherein members of the target groups can lead productive, safe and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development. It aims to support and empower its target groups through programmes of educational, economic and social development and rehabilitation wherever necessary. The mandate of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is empowerment of the socially, educationally and economically marginalised sections of the society including (i) Scheduled Castes (ii) other Backward Class (iii) Senior Citizens (iv) Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (v) Transgender Persons (vi) Beggars (vii) Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) (viii) Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and (xi) Economically Weaker Section (EWS).

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment was set up in May 2012 with the aims to facilitate empowerment and inclusion of the persons with disabilities and acts as a nodal agency to look after all development agenda of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).Empowerment of persons with disabilities is an inter-disciplinary process, covering various aspects namely, prevention, early detection, intervention, education, health, vocational training, rehabilitation and social integration. The vision, mission and strategies of the Department are: Vision: To build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.And Mission: To empower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/ Institutions/Organizations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society.

THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF M/O SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Union Cabinet approves transformatory changes in Post Matric Scholarship for SCs.
   Govt big push for education for SCs. Approves Rs.59,000 Cr post matric scholarship scheme for more than 4 Cr SC students in 5 years

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved major and transformatory changes in the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Post Matric Scholarship to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (PMS-SC)’ to benefit more than 4 Crore SC students in the next 5 years so that they can successfully complete their higher education.The Cabinet has approved a total investment of Rs. 59,048 Cr of which Central Government would spend Rs. 35,534 Cr (60%) and the balance would be spent by the State Govts. This replaces the existing 'committed liability' system and brings greater involvement of the Central Govt in this crucial scheme.The Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes allows students to pursue any post matric course starting from class 11th and onwards, with the Govt meeting the cost of education.The Central Govt is committed to give a big push and further impetus to this effort so that the GER (Higher Education) of SCs would reach up to the National standards within the 5 year period.

2. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 comes into effect: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 comes into effect on 10^th January 2020 which is the first concrete step towards ensuring welfare of Transgender persons. To implement the provisions of the Act the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment issued the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 which have been notified in the Gazette of India. The Rules ensure that comprehensive welfare measures reach the Transgender Community and help them come into the mainstream of the Society. The right to self-perceived gender identity and the procedure to issue the Transgender certificate and Identity card has been defined in the Rules. The process has been made smooth and hassle free to ensure that Transgender persons are able to attain their self-perceived identity card without any inconvenience.

3. M/o Social Justice & Empowerment E-Launches ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’ (25^th November, 2020)

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment e-launched a ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’. This National Portal for Transgender Persons has been developed within 2 months of Notification of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 on 29 September, 2020. This highly useful Portal would help a transgender person in applying for a Certificate and Identity card digitally from anywhere in the country. The most important benefit is that it helps the transgender person to get the I-Card without any physical interface and without having to visit any office. Through the Portal, they can monitor the status of their application that ensures transparency in the process. The issuing authorities are also under strict timelines to process the applications and issue certificates and identity cards without any necessary delays. Once the Certificate and I-card are issued, the applicant can download them from the Portal itself. In case of delay or rejection, the applicant has the options to submit grievances through the Portal which are forwarded to the concerned person and will be resolved at the earliest. The Issuing authorities through the Dashboard provided to them can view the number of applications received, the applications approved and the applications which are pending or put on hold so that they can take the required necessary action from their end. This portal will help a lot of people from the community to come forward and get Transgender Certificate and Identity Cards as per their self-perceived identity which is an important provision of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

The National Portal for Transgender Persons is an end to end online process. The transgender persons can avail the services offered by the portal from anywhere. It will help a lot of people from the community to come forward and get Transgender Certificate and Identity Cards as per their self-perceived identity which is an important provision of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

4. NashaMukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan (2020-21) for 272 Most Affected Districts E-Launched on International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking Today. (26^th June, 2020)

“NashaMukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan (2020-21) for 272 Most Affected Districts’ was e-launched by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on the occasion of “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”. NashaMukt Bharat Annual Action Plan for 2020-21 would focus on 272 most affected districts and launch a three-pronged attack combining efforts of Narcotics Bureau, Outreach/Awareness by Social Justice and Treatment through the Health Dept. The Action Plan has the following components: Awareness generation programmes; Focus on Higher Educational institutions, University Campuses and Schools; Community outreach and identification of dependent population; Focus on Treatment facilities in Hospital settings; and Capacity Building Programmes for Service Provider.

The Ministry provides community based services for the identification, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts through Voluntary Organizations. It provides financial assistance to NGOs across the country for running de-addiction centres. The Ministry has also set up a 24x7 National Toll Free drug de-addiction helpline number 1800110031 to help the victims of drug abuse, their family and society at large.

Taking cognizance of the fact that addressing the problem of drug abuse requires concerted action at different levels of the Government, the Ministry has asked the State Governments to plan and take specific initiatives, taking into account their local considerations and devise specific and suitable strategies for drug demand reduction in their identified areas. The State Governments have also been involved in the monitoring process for programmes under the NAPDDR in order to ensure its effective implementation.

5. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment e-launches “Ambedkar Social Innovation & Incubation Mission under Venture Capital fund for SCs (ASIIM)” (30 September, 2020)

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the “Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) under Venture Capital Fund for SCs” through Video Conferencing with a view to promoting innovation and enterprise among SC students studying in higher educational institutions.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment had launched the Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SC) in 2014-15 with a view to developing entrepreneurship amongst the SC/Divyang youth and to enable them to become 'job-givers’. The Objective of this fund is to provide concessional finance to the entities of the SC entrepreneurs. Under this fund, 117 companies promoted by SC entrepreneurs have been sanctioned financial assistance to set up business ventures. Under named “Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission (ASIIM)”initiative, 1,000 SC youth would be identified in the next 4 years with start-up ideas through the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in various higher educational institutions. They will be funded @ Rs. 30 lakhs in 3 years as equity funding so that they can translate their start-up ideas into commercial ventures. Successful ventures would further qualify for venture funding of up to Rs. 5 Crore from the Venture Capital Fund for SCs.

The Ministry has decided to launch ASIIM through the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCFSC). It’s objectives include: To promote entrepreneurship among the SC Youth with special preference to Divyangs; To support (1,000) innovative ideas till 2024 through a synergetic work with the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by Department of Science and Technology; to support, promote, hand-hold the start-up ideas till they reach commercial stage by providing liberal equity support; and To incentivise students with innovative mind-set to take to entrepreneurship with confidence. This initiative under VCF-SC will promote innovation in the SC youth and would help them to become job-givers from job-seekers; and would further give fillip to the ‘Stand Up India’ initiative of the Prime Minister.

In order to promote innovation and entrepreneurship amongst SC students in the higher education campuses, there is a need to identify innovative ideas and provide focussed support to young entrepreneurs who are engaged in working on innovative and technology-oriented business ideas either in educational campuses or Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to help them setup successful commercial enterprises. Such an action will not only allow the SC students to pursue with innovation and entrepreneurship, but will give a further boost to the Stand Up India programme of the Government.

 The ASIIM initiative will be implemented by the Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SCs) which was set up in 2016 with the Fund size of Rs. 500 Cr. Since its inception, VCF-SC has sanctioned financial assistance to 118 companies to the tune of Rs. 444.14 crore. In order to further motivate and encourage Innovative entrepreneurialStartups, M/o SJ&E has modified the Venture Capital for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) guidelines to keep focused attention in providing equity support to entities/companies of young SC entrepreneurs working on innovative and technology-based ideas.

Under this initiative VCF-SC shall target SC students / young entrepreneurs working in Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) supported by Department of Science and Technology (DST) in higher education and technology institution including Business / Management schools. The VCF-SC shall extend all support in the form of hand-holding, guidance, mentoring, besides providing equity support up to Rs 30 lakh over a period of three (3) years to each entity of young SC students / entrepreneurs. The budget of ASIIM for the next four years has been kept at Rs 19320lakhs.

6. M/o Social Justice & Empowerment launches ‘24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Help line kiran-(1800-599-0019) (7^th September, 2020)

The 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline “KIRAN” (1800-500-0019) was launched by Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment through virtual mode Webcast to provide relief and support to persons with Mental Illness. DEPwD, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment launched it in view of the growing incidence of Mental Illness, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Kiran Helpline will offer mental health rehabilitation services with the objective of early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental wellbeing, promoting positive behaviours, psychological crisis management etc. It aims at serving people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, pandemic induced psychological issues & mental health emergencies. It will function as a lifeline to provide 1^st stage advice, counselling and reference in 13 languages to individuals, families, NGOs, Parent Associations, Professional Associations, Rehabilitation Institutes, Hospitals or anyone in need of support across the country. He hoped that this Helpline will be very useful for family members of persons with mental illness also.

This Toll Free Helpline will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the Technical Coordination of BSNL. 25 Institutions including 8 National Institutes are involved in this Helpline. It is backed by 660 Clinical / Rehabilitation Psychologists and 668 Psychiatrists. The 13 languages covered in the Helpline are: Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu and English.

The Helpline operates in this way: Dial Toll- Free number 1800-599-0019 from any mobile or land line of any telecom network from any part of India. After welcome message, select language by pressing correct button; after the language selection, Select State/UT, you will get connected to the Helpline Centre of native or desired state, Mental health expert will help to resolve the issue or refer/connect to external help (Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist/Psychiatrist).The objectives of the Helpline are Early Screening; First Aid; Psychological support; Distress management; Mental well-being; Preventing deviant behaviors; Psychological crisis management and Referral to mental health experts. This Helpline is dedicated to resolve mental health issues related to Anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Suicide; Depression; Panic Attack(s) Adjustment Disorders; Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and Substance Abuse. The Helpline will cater to- People in Distress; Pandemic induced psychological issues and Mental Health Emergency.

7. Historic MoU Signed between ISLRTC under M/o Social Justice &Empowerment  and NCERT under M/o HRD for Converting Educational Materials in to Indian Sign Language (6^th October, 2020)

A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center-ISLRTC (a National Institute of DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) and NCERT (a National Institute of Ministry of Education) to make education materials accessible for Deaf children in their preferred format of communication viz Indian Sign Language. This MoU was signed in the virtual presence of Dr.ThaawarchandGehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister for Education.

The signing of this MoU is a historic step as availability of NCERT textbooks in Indian Sign Language (ISL) will ensure that Hearing Impaired children can also now access educational resources in Indian Sign Language and it will be a useful and much needed resource for Hearing Impaired students, teachers, teacher educators, parents and the Hearing Impaired community, which in turn will have a huge impact on the education of Hearing Impaired children in the country. After this MoU, NCERT educational books and materials will be available in Indian Sign Language which is same all over India, which means all hearing impaired students of India whether from East or West or North or South, they all will read NCERT books in a single language i.e. Indian Sign Language. Indian Sign Language denotes Unity in Diversity which is explained through Hands and understood through Eyes and it connects all hearing impaired people of our country all together.

The MoU is a step towards achieving common goal of fulfilling needs of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 and New Education Policy, 2020. As part of this MoU, educational print materials such as NCERT Textbooks, Teachers Handbook and other Supplementary materials and resources of Class I-XII of all subjects of both Hindi and English Medium will be converted into Indian Sign Language in Digital format. The signing of MoU between NCERT and ISLRTC for converting NCERT educational materials in to Indian sign language ensures educational standardization of Indian Sign Language as mandated in the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The MoU will empower the hearing impaired children in our country. He hoped that New Education Policy, 2020 is an inclusive one and will transform our country.

In the childhood days, the cognitive skills of children are developed and it is very necessary to provide them educational material as per their learning needs. So far, hearing impaired children used to study only through verbal or written medium but after signing of this MoU, they can study through single Indian Sign Language also. It will not only enhance their vocabulary but also enhance their capabilities to understand concepts. Signing of this MoU is based on the UNICEF’s initiative “Accessible Digital Textbooks for All” and it is a landmark decision.

8. M/o SJ&E writes to States/Uts to ensure basic physical accessibility features for Divyangjan in centres for COVID-19 testing & quarantine facilities and treatment at hospital(29^th April, 2020)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment asked all States and Union Territories to ensure basic physical accessibility features for Divyangjan (PwDs) as per reasonable accommodation in the centres for COVID-19 testing and quarantine facilities as well as for treatment at hospitals and health centres. In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs, Secretary, DEPwD said that to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, many COVID-19 centers have been identified as containment units, isolation treatment centres and testing labs for enhancing the holding capacity for medical purposes as required. The current crisis poses even greater threats to the Divyangjan not just due to their lesser/compromised immunity, ability to perceive or comprehend information but also due to non-availability of accessibility features in the physical environment and eco-system provided at such COVID related facilities.

9. M/o SJ&E arranges free meals for more than 1 Crore Destitutes/Beggars/Homeless persons during covid lockdown ( 15^th April, 2020)

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment working with major Municipal Corporations arranged for feeding of more than 1 crore destitutes/beggars/homeless persons during covid lockdown. The Ministry, in a project, had already selected ten (10) cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Nagpur, Patna and Indore for implementing a comprehensive scheme for rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging which would cover identification, rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counseling, education, skill development with the support of State Governments/UTs/Local Urban Bodies and Voluntary Organizations, institutions etc. 100% Assistance under the Scheme shall be provided to the States/UTs for its implementation.

10. Major Improvements in National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes students w.e.f. selection Year 2020-21 (13^th August, 2020)

The Annual Family Income limit for National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes students w.e.f. selection year 2020-21 has been increased from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum. Students securing admission in higher ranking institutions internationally will be given preference. The minimum qualifying marks have been increased from 55% to 60%. Maintenance Allowance has been linked with progress of the awardee. Various verification processes have been simplified. Police verification has been done away and self-declaration has been introduced.

With the changes introduced, the selection process has become simplified and all the slots are likely to be filled up in short period as compared to the last year.

11. DEPwD organises visit of 14 youths with disabilities to experience accessible tourism at Statue of Unity in Gujarat (29^th January, 2020)
     

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organised a visit of 14 youths with disabilities from all over India, to experience accessible tourism, at the Statue of Unity, in Vadodara, Gujarat . This visit was organised under the Accessible India campaign of this Department that had been launched by the Prime Minister, in 2015.The RPwD Act, 2016 mandates all public infrastructure, hospitals, academic institutions, railways, airports, public transports, sports facilities etc. including monuments, religious places to be made accessible by 2022. Universal Accessibility at cultural centres, historical monuments and adventure tourist sites will increase the footfall of tourists within the country and from across the globe. The Statue of Unity in Narmada district depicts the first Home Minister Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, in an imposing statue of 182 mtr. which can be accessed through escalators, walking conveyor belts, lifts, accessible toilets, ramps and wheelchairs.

12. Week Long “Ekam Fest” organized to Promote Craftsmanship & Products OfDivyang Artisans and Entrepreneurs. Around 82 Divyang Artisans & Entrepreneurs from 17 States/UTs Displaying their Products and Skills (2^nd March, 2020)

The week long Exhibition-cum-Fair “EKAM Fest” organized by National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) under M/o Social Justice& Empowermentat State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi-1 on 2 March, 2020.Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot, Union Minister for RT&Hand MEME Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari and Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Iranigracedtheoccasion. Ministers of State for SJ&E Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Rattan LalKataria were also present.

The week long Ekam Fest was open for public from 11 AM till 9.00 PM from 2^nd March to 9^th March, 2020. More than 82 Divyangjan coming from 17 States/ UTs showcased their products at EKAM FEST. This included 44 Men and 38 Women. Fest is also hosting a number of activities like cultural extravaganza including performances by Divyang artists and well known professionals. Additional highlights of the event were astrological consultations and foot massage by Divyang professionals.

13. Prime Minister Distributes daily Living AIDS and Devices to Senior Citizens &Divyangjan at biggest ever RVY & ADIP camp at Prayagraj (29^th February, 2020)

Biggest ever SamajikAdhikaritaShivir was held at the sacred city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh  for distribution of Aids and Assistive devices among senior citizens and Divyangjan. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Governor of UP Smt. Anandi Ben Patel, Chief Minister of UP Yogi Aditya Nath, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr.ThaawarchandGehlot, Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishna Pal Gurjar, Shri Ramdas Athawale, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, Deputy Chief Minister of UP Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, UP State Government Ministers and Local MPs and MLAs. Secretary, DEPwD, Smt. Shakuntala D. Gamlin and other senior officers from the Ministry and Government of Uttar Pradesh were also present.

In this historic event, 56905 Aids and Assistive devices were distributed to 26874 beneficiary includes Divyangjan under ADIP and senior citizens under RashtriyaVayoshri Yojana comprising of 10,416 Divyangjan and 16,458 senior citizens. Total value of the aids and assistive devices amounts to approx. Rs 19,37,76,980/-.

14. DEPwD, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment Strives to Address Concerns of Divyangjan Through Helpline Numbers (29^th July, 2020)

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through its various organisations strives to address the concerns of Person with Disabilities Divyangjan) for their effective rehabilitation and inclusion.

The Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO) has started a Helpline service for providing information on aids and assistive devices for Divyangjan (PwDs) including repair of such devices. Similarly National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC), which provides loan at concessional rate of interest and also runs Skill training programmes for Divyangjan (PwDs) has started Helpline services for dissemination of information relating to such matters. Further, one of the National Institutes namely National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad is providing information relating to Special Education, Occupational therapy physiotherapy related issues etc through a dedicated toll-free helpline number.

15. Shri ThaawarchandGehlot addresses Through Webcast A Gathering of 272 District Collectors & 32 State Secretaries Involved With ‘Nashamukt Bharat Campaign’ (13^th August, 2020)

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlotaddressed the gathering of 272 District Collectors, 32 State Secretaries, more than 500 NGOs / VOs, Officers of Narcotics Control Bureau, Doctors and Professionals of NDDTC, AIIMS, and all the officers involved with this campaign in the States and Districts  to provide a significant impetus to the launch of the campaign. The event also had messages from the Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Shri Ram Das Athawale and Shri Rattan Lal Kataria. The programme also showcasedNashaMukt Bharat campaign through a Power Point Presentation which will encompass the modalities and the activities to be carried out during the campaign period.

On this occasion, Shri Gehlot e-inaugurated the new building of National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) in Dwarka, New Delhi. NISD became an autonomous body onJuly 15, 2002, and is the nodal training and research institute in the field of Social Defence. The institute focuses on human resource development for drug abuseprevention, welfare of senior citizens and trans-genders, beggary prevention, andother social defence issues. It provides inputs for the social defence programmes to the Governmentof India and also conducts training and research in the field, apart from ensuring the implementation of various programmes under the National Action Plan for DrugDemand Reduction and National Action Plan for Senior Citizens.

16. Shri ThaawarchandGehlot releases Action Plan 2020-21 of all schemes of Department of Social Justice &Empowerment.The number of beneficiaries of schemes of the SJ&E department to go up substantially(9^th September, 2020)

Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri ThaawarchandGehlot released a book containing 33 Action Plans 2020-21 of all the schemes of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment on7^th September, 2020. This is the first time that the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has embarked on a comprehensive Annual Action Plan 2020-21 for each of the Schemes with an objective to give clear targets and milestones for Central Ministry, the participating State Governments and NGOs.The book is a collection of 33 Annual Action Plans for all the Schemes of Social Justice and Empowerment Department and has been prepared for economic, educational development and social empowerment of the people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Senior Citizens, victim of Drug Abuse, Transgender, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).

17. Shri ThaawarchandGehlot Virtually Inaugurated International Conference on "Mental Health: Looking Beyond COVID 19" (8^th October, 2020)

Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot inaugurated the virtual “International conference on Mental Health: Looking Beyond COVID 19” through video conferencing . Prof. Craig Jeffrey, Director, Australia-India Institute co-chaired the conference. Delivering inaugural address, Shri ThaawarchandGehlot drew the attention of rising trend of mental health concerns across the globe. He also apprised about the recent initiatives of the Govt of India such as setting up of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh & KIRAN mental health rehabilitation helpline for addressing mental health issues.

18. Constitution Day celebrated enthusiastically across the country; Nation-wide Preamble Reading led by the President ;Prime Minister delivers valedictory address at the 80thAll India Presiding Officers’ Conference atKevadia, Gujarat (26^th November , 2020)

The Constitution Day was celebrated with enthusiasm throughout the country on 26^th November, 2020 for which M/o Social Justice was the nodal Ministry. Nationwide Preamble Reading led by the President, Shri Ram NathKovind and Prime Minister’s valedictory address at the 80th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, Kevadia, Gujarat were the key highlights of the events organized.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Presiding Officers’ Conference, Shri Modi stressed upon the importance of duties and said that duties should be treated as the source of rights, dignity and self-confidence. The Prime Minister said that Mahatma Gandhi saw a close link between rights &duties who felt that once we perform our duties, rights will automatically be safeguarded. The Prime Minister said as KYC-Know Your Customer is the key aspect of digital security, KYC- Know Your Constitution can be a big safeguard for the Constitutional safety shield. He emphasised that the language of our laws should be simple and accessible to the common people so that they feel a direct connection with every law. He also said that the process for weeding out the obsolete laws should be simple and suggested that there should be an automatic system of repealing the old laws as we amend them. The Conference was addressed by the President, Sh Ram NathKovind;the Vice President, ShVenkaiah Naidu; and the LokSabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla on its opening day .

19. Shri ThaawarchandGehlot Launches Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan” Mobile APPwhich has been Developed to Identify and Geotag the data of Insanitary Latrines and Manual Scavengers (24^th December, 2020)

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot launched a Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan” in the presence of Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ram Das Athawale and Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar in New Delhi today. In the absence of any authentic data base regarding the location of insanitary latrines, it has been decided to seek the help of NGOs, Social Organisations and general public for collection and compilation of the data. A mobile application “Swachhata Abhiyan” has been developed for this purpose.This mobile application can be downloaded from the ‘Google Play Store’ free of cost.

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