DEPwD Signs 72 MoUs with Private Institutions and Start-ups to Empower Persons with Disabilities

Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma reiterated the commitment to persons with disabilities, stating that they possess immense potential and only need opportunities.

As part of ongoing efforts to empower persons with disabilities socially, educationally, and economically, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed 72 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with private institutions and start-ups. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, was presided over by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, with Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma also in attendance.

In the current era of technological advancement, various initiatives and products are being developed in the private sector to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities and promote an inclusive society. In April and May 2024, DEPwD organized six Purple Talks sessions/workshops, engaging over 100 Indian start-ups, companies, academic institutions, and organizations. These sessions showcased innovative, technology-based products and programs aimed at empowering persons with disabilities in areas such as physical and intellectual disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, education, skill development, and employment.

Following these sessions, national institutions and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) were directed to sign MoUs with these start-ups and organizations to expand the department’s scope and address the needs of persons with disabilities.

Statements from Key Officials

Dr. Virendra Kumar highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, DEPwD has significantly contributed to the social, economic, and educational empowerment of persons with disabilities over the past decade. He emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India, many institutions are manufacturing useful devices domestically at low costs to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and social organizations for the empowerment and employment of persons with disabilities, recognizing their crucial role in society.

Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma reiterated the commitment to persons with disabilities, stating that they possess immense potential and only need opportunities. He expressed that the MoUs signed will provide the necessary platforms for persons with disabilities to demonstrate their capabilities and inspire the general public.

Secretary (DEPwD) Shri Rajesh Aggarwal noted a significant shift in society’s perspective towards persons with disabilities, praising the efforts of private institutions present at the event. He emphasized the importance of government collaboration with private organizations to create policies and scale up efforts for positive change.

Impact of the MoUs

The MoUs aim to promote the creation of innovative, technology-based products for empowering families of persons with disabilities, raising awareness about disabilities, preventing and treating clubfoot, and building the capacity of trainers and teachers. Participating companies and start-ups included Zomato, IIT Madras, EnAble India, Neo Motion, Cure India, Assam Rifles, and Radio Udaan.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry, Directors of national institutions, and representatives from participating companies, marking a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for persons with disabilities.