Jammu, 30 August (H.S.): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that empowering mother can enable early identification of disability in a child.

Lauding the initiative of SAKSHAM in organising the Prabudh Matri Shakti Sammelan to educate and create awareness among women on the prevention of avoidable disabilities and the empowerment of Divyang persons, Dr Jitendra Singh said that mothers are often the first to come to know of a child's developmental or health-related concerns, making women's awareness an important part of the larger mission of Divyang Seva and empowerment.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that with appropriate awareness during pregnancy, including regular antenatal check-ups and recommended screening, certain disorders can be detected at an early stage, allowing timely medical advice and intervention and helping reduce preventable risks.

The Prabudh 'Matri Shakti Sammelan' was organised with the objective of making educated, aware and socially responsible women active partners in the mission of Divyang Seva, empowerment and prevention of avoidable disabilities. The initiative places particular emphasis on the role of mothers, teachers, healthcare workers and community leaders, who are closely connected with the health, development and well-being of children and families.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the effort to prevent avoidable disabilities needs to begin as early as possible, even before a child is born. Awareness about maternal health, adequate nutrition, antenatal care, prevention of infections, safe use of medicines, regular health check-ups and timely consultation with medical professionals can help families take informed decisions at crucial stages of pregnancy and early childhood. He said that where a condition can be identified during pregnancy, timely medical intervention and appropriate care can make a meaningful difference to outcomes.

He said that the experience of the last 12 years also demonstrates the importance of taking awareness and support systems to the family and community level, with women playing a particularly important role. The mother is often the first person to notice changes in a child's development or health and, therefore, equipping her with the right knowledge can lead to earlier identification, appropriate referral and timely access to available support.

The Minister said that awareness, however, must extend beyond prevention to the complete empowerment of Divyang persons. Women can become powerful champions of Divyang empowerment by ensuring that children and persons with disabilities receive timely access to identification, education, rehabilitation, assistive devices, skill development, employment opportunities and avenues for self-reliance.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also referred to measures available for Government employees having Divyang children, which seek to provide greater support to families managing the specialised needs of their children. These include exemption from rotational transfer, Children Education Allowance up to the age of 22 years, consideration for posting near medical facilities and two years of paid Child Care Leave, as applicable under the relevant Government provisions.

He said that such measures reflect the need for a support system that addresses the entire journey, from pregnancy and early childhood to education, rehabilitation, skill development and eventual self-reliance. While Government programmes provide institutional support, sustained awareness among women and families can ensure that these interventions reach children at the stage when they can make the greatest difference.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar