Keonjhar: In order to empower the People with Disabilities (PWDs) in livelihood means and ease in travel, the district administration of Odisha’s Keonjhar distributed 98 two-wheeler vehicles with retrofit kits on Thursday.
Speaking at a function, organised to distribute the vehicles under District Mineral Fund (DMF), Keonjhar district collector said several initiatives like DMF Sakshyam – Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) for rehabilitation, enhancing early recovery, comfortable prosthetics and orthosis, provision of Motorised Electric Wheelchairs etc, along with DMF Jagruti for De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre, DMF Ashraya – a Shelter Home for Homeless People with Mental Illness have been initiated.
The District Social Security Officer (DSSO) informed that the initiative aims at assisting the PWDs from being excluded, isolated and locked into poverty; enhancing the commute, mobility with respect and dignity; reduce the need for formal support from others for mobility and travel; decreasing the impact of disability on PWDs, their family, and society and enhancing the livelihood means and sustainability for future.
He further said a multi-disciplinary committee of specialists doctors and physiotherapists from the office of Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) along with officials had been formed for assessing the the PWD beneficiaries for the scheme.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) DMF, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) (General), Regional Traffic Officer (RTO), Executive Officer Keonjhar Municipality and other district officials were present.
It may be noted that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had announced this innovative initiative on February 13 by distributing two 2-wheeler vehicles with retrofit kits to the eligible beneficiaries.
