Government of India Takes Strides toward Inclusivity and Empowerment
In a momentous occasion highlighting a significant leap towards inclusivity and empowerment, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar today presented the one Croreth Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card to Ms. Vanshika Nand Kishore Mane and Seven (7) other Divyang beneficiaries. The ceremony, graced by the presence of the Union Minister and the Minister of State (Persons with Disabilities) Km. Pratima Bhoumik. In a momentous occasion highlighting a significant leap towards inclusivity and empowerment, the Honorable Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, presented the 1 Croreth Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card to Ms. Vanshika NandKishore Mane and 7 other Divyang beneficiaries. The ceremony, graced by the presence of the Honorable Minister of State Kumari Pratima Bhoumik. Secretary Shri Rajesh Aggarwal and other officials were also present there.
Launched in 2017, the UDID project by the Government of India aims to provide a Unique Identity to each Divyang (person with disabilities) in the country, creating a comprehensive database for strategic welfare planning.
During the event, an indigenized IQ assessment test kit was dedicated to the nation by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, showcasing a milestone in self-reliance.
Addressing the audience, the Minister emphasized the importance of Divyangjan as a valuable resource for the country and shared the Government’s vision for an inclusive society and the overall development of Divyangjan. Expressing pride in the development of the Indian version of the IQ test, he echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikash, Sabka Vishwas”.
The Minister of State (Persons with Disabilities), Kumari Pratima Bhoumik highlighted that the tools developed by the government should also benefit to the far-reaching areas of the North East and even foreign countries. She expressed satisfaction with the indigenization of the test kit, emphasizing its potential to pave the way for new research in the field of intellectual disability and provide Indian citizens access to the tool at the lowest cost.
During the event, it was revealed that the UDID card has been linked to various schemes, including skill training, scholarship application verifications, National Trust insurance schemes (Niramaya), DDRS beneficiaries, RCI regulated institutions, free clinical services, and education in National Institutes and CRCs.
The Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) Shri Rajesh Aggarwal expressed the department’s commitment to developing courses for parents and siblings of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), recognizing them as important stakeholders in the welfare of PwD children.
It was noted that the UDID card generation process is in mission mode, with approximately 1.5 lakh cards being generated daily. Simplifications in the application process have been implemented to enhance user-friendliness, and the Aadhaar linkage has been made mandatory to prevent card duplication and expedite generation.
As the UDID project continues its mission, the government remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and overall development for persons with disabilities across the nation.