Today, it is a moment of immense pride for me to be present at the inauguration of the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) in Madurai. This event not only reflects the commitment of the Government of India towards the empowerment of Divyangjan, but also strengthens our efforts to make high quality services accessible and inclusive to all.

At present, there are 25 Composite Regional Centres functioning across the country under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD). These centres function as decentralised institutions providing comprehensive services such as rehabilitation, education, skill development, and social integration for all categories of disabilities. CRC Madurai is an important addition to this network, which will cater specifically to the needs of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Till now, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, was providing services for this sector in Tamil Nadu. With the establishment of the CRC in Madurai, we will expand the specialised services to larger parts of the state, enabling Divyangjan to receive assistance closer to their homes.

One of the key objectives of the CRC is Cross-Disability Early Intervention. Research shows that early intervention in the age group of 0-6 years plays a vital role in improving the developmental, physical, cognitive and social outcomes of children. The Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC) to be set up at the CRC in Madurai will provide specialized remedial, rehabilitative, and early education services under one roof.

Through these early intervention services, children with disabilities will acquire the necessary skills to live an independent and dignified life. CDEIC will provide the following services at the CRC in Madurai:

•        Early identification and screening of disability,

•        Therapeutic services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and behavior management,

•        school readiness programs that promote physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and

•        Counselling and support for families and care givers.

This initiative has been further strengthened by the generous allocation of 2.04 hectares of land at Y. Pudupatti Village by the Tamil Nadu Government and an investment of about ₹30 crore by the Government of India to construct a state-of-the-art CRC building.

The CRC in Madurai is another step towards fulfilling the vision of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which aims to ensure equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life. By expanding access to rehabilitative care and interventions, the CRC in Madurai will become a hub of hope and opportunity for countless individuals and families in Tamil Nadu.

I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Tamil Nadu, DEPWD, NIEPMD and all the stakeholders who contributed in making this project a reality.

I urge all stakeholders, state authorities, civil society and the general public to actively support and cooperate to ensure the effective functioning of CRC Madurai. Let us together build a society where every individual, regardless of his or her abilities, can live his or her life with dignity, freedom and satisfaction.

Finally, let us all pledge that we will remain committed to building an inclusive India, where no one is left behind.

As part of the programme the Hon’ble Minister distributed 186 Aids and Appliances to 120 beneficiaries an amount worth of Rs.22,63,000/-    under the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) scheme. The Representatives from Local Administration, Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director, NIEPMD, Chennai, Tmt.Jeyaseeli Flora, Director, CRC-Madurai, Central and state government officials, Rehabilitation Professionals, NGOs, PwDs and their parents were among those present on the occasion.

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VJ/KV

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