Jitendra Singh Stresses Early Disability Detection
Minister urges mothers to strengthen awareness, screening and timely intervention for children
- Mothers can play a key role in identifying developmental concerns early, Jitendra Singh said.
- He stressed antenatal care, nutrition, screening and timely medical consultation.
- The minister called for stronger support for education, rehabilitation and empowerment of Divyangjan.
- He addressed the Prabudh ‘Matri Shakti Sammelan’ organised by SAKSHAM.
GG News Bureau
Kathua, 29th Aug: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said empowering mothers with appropriate knowledge and awareness can help in the early identification of disabilities in children and enable timely intervention.
Addressing the Prabudh ‘Matri Shakti Sammelan’, organised by SAKSHAM to create awareness about preventing avoidable disabilities and empowering Divyangjan, Singh said mothers are often the first to notice developmental or health-related concerns in children.
He said awareness during pregnancy, including regular antenatal check-ups and recommended screening, can help identify certain conditions early and enable timely medical advice and intervention.
Singh said efforts to prevent avoidable disabilities should begin before a child is born. He highlighted maternal health, adequate nutrition, antenatal care, infection prevention, safe use of medicines and regular health check-ups.
He said timely identification of a condition can help families access appropriate medical care, rehabilitation and other support.
The minister also stressed that disability awareness should extend beyond prevention to the broader empowerment of Divyangjan through education, rehabilitation, assistive devices, skill development and employment opportunities.
Singh highlighted measures taken by the government to strengthen support for persons with disabilities, including the establishment of cross-disability early treatment centres to facilitate early identification and assistance for children.
He also referred to specialised sports infrastructure for Divyangjan and India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where Indian athletes won 29 medals.
The minister also mentioned support provisions for government employees with Divyang children, including applicable measures related to transfers, Children Education Allowance, postings near medical facilities and Child Care Leave.
Singh said awareness among women and families can help ensure that government interventions reach children at an early stage.
He said the objective of the Matri Shakti Sammelan was to make women active partners in prevention, early identification and the empowerment of Divyangjan.
“The vision is simple: every mother aware, every family empowered, every child given the best possible beginning, and no one left behind,” Singh said.
MLA Rajeev Jasrotia, SAKSHAM National Secretary Abhay Pargal, State President Dr Pragya Khanna and other dignitaries attended the programme.
