12 Sep :Smt. Meira Kumar, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment gave away the National Trust Annual Awards, 2008 here today.
Smt. Meira Kumar said that the National Trust Act tries to answer some very difficult questions, especially “What happens to my child when I am no more.” Ensuring the full support to the parents of children suffering from disabilities, she said “we will find out children with disabilities from every nook and corner of the country and will ensure the full support system for their future even after the demise of their parents.”
She further added “This requires us to develop several support systems. Legal Guardianship through the Local Level Committees (LLCs) is the most basic. I am happy to hear abut the work of the six best (LLCs), but I am also aware that much more needs to be done by the National Trust and the other stakeholders to ensure better results.” She further informed that the National Trust has been designed to fulfill the twin objectives of community participation and inclusion. The major concern has been the Economic Empowerment which in turn will enable and empower people with disabilities. She wished good luck to the Marketing Federation of National Trust – which will be launched on September 22, 2008.
The Awards included ‘best individual among persons with disabilities – Rs. 25,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate; parents of the person with disability – Rs. 25,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate; Professional – Rs. 50,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate; Best innovative design of adaptation of assistive devices – Rs. 50,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate; Best product developed for sheltered workshop – Rs. 50,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate; Best Local Level Committee – a shield and a certificate; Best Employer – a shield and a certificate; Best organization – Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 30,000/- in cash ,a shield and a certificate; Best parents association – Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 30,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate and Association of persons with disabilities – Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 30,000/- in cash, a shield and a certificate.
The National Trust is a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, set up under the National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities’ Act (Act 44 of 1999). It offers registration to Voluntary Organizations, Association of persons with disabilities and Association of parents of persons with disabilities working in the area of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities throughout the country. The National Trust Act empowers the Local Level Committees to appoint legal guardians for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities. It also provides mechanisms for monitoring and protecting the interests of the wards and of their properties.