KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the socio-economic development of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and also their inclusive eye health services.
The Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department of the state government signed a pact with ‘Sightsavers’, an international development organization to create livelihood and job opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Director of SSEPD Kailash Chandra Sahoo and CEO of Sightsavers India R.N. Mohanty signed the MoU in the presence of Odisha SSEPD Minister Prafulla Samal.
More than 3 lakh youths with disabilities in 13 districts of the state namely Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Bargarh, Kandhamal, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Debagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati will get the benefit of the programme.
As per the MoU, Sightsavers will provide technical support to the SSEPD Department in facilitating inclusion of persons with disabilities in matters related to private sector employment, skill development and developing sustainable livelihood models for PWDs in the state.
The international development organization will work with SSEPD Department and other government agencies like Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM), Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (VRC), Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the like to create livelihood and employability opportunities for PWDs in the state.
A press note informed that Sightsavers will also work on strengthening the Disabled People’s Organisations and their networks in the state by building their knowledge and awareness around disability rights, policies, acts, rules, entitlements, etc, enabling them to work as facilitators at panchayats/block/district level championing the cause of PWDs.
The note further said that the programme will also make inclusive health service available for vulnerable population like the widows, transgenders, old-age population, etc.
Ms Kalinga