Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 May 2025
The Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, held a special programme to showcase its achievements, service outreach, and future initiatives.
The event was graced by Mr. Rajeev Sharma, IFS, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, who attended as the chief guest. During the programme, Mr. Sharma distributed aids and appliances under the Government of India’s Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sharma emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to expanding CRC’s reach and ensuring that persons with disabilities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive accessible and quality rehabilitation services.
Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director of the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, highlighted the importance of strengthening and expanding rehabilitation services, and outlined a vision for inclusive rehabilitation across the region.
Ms. Sumithamol welcomed the attendees and presented a comprehensive overview of CRC’s five-year journey. Mr. Ashok Biswas, Probationary Officer, Directorate of Social Welfare, informed the audience that land allocation for a permanent CRC campus is currently in progress. He also announced plans to introduce a dedicated CRC bus service to facilitate better transportation support for beneficiaries residing in remote areas.
The programme also featured a heartfelt parent testimonial and a training session on independent living skills, conducted by Mr. Prabhu, Special Educator and Orientation & Mobility Instructor.