March 29, 2008: Smt. Sarveen Chaudahry, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister said here today that State Government has granted no objection certificate to J.M Institute of Speech and Hearing, Patna for opening of an Institute of Disability Management and Rehabilitation at Shimla on the recommendation of the
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.She said that the Institute had been working in this field since last 25 years and was being supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India for its projects. She said that it was running various Human Resource Development Programmes of Rehabilitation Council of India and Universities since many years.
The Minister said that the organization had requested for allotment of atleast 10 acres of land in Shimla as well as recommendation of the H.P. University for affiliation of various courses in the area of Disability Management and Rehabilitation. She said that the organization had also requested for the help of State Government in finding a suitable accommodation to start courses and other activities from the academic session-2008-09.
Smt. Chaudhary said that the matter was under active consideration of the State Government, which would help in complying with the directions of Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh regarding the implementation of Section-49 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1955.
She said that according to a survey conducted by the ICDS wing of Social Justice and Empowerment Department, 52206 persons with disabilities were identified in the State up to December, 2006. She said that setting up of the Institute would cater to the needs of disabled persons besides promoting research activities involving action research, social research, research related to therapeutics, diagnostic methodology, aids and appliances etc