Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched the ‘Mobile App and Facebook Page’ of the National Trust at a function to mark the ‘National Trust Foundation Day’ on the theme “Celebrating Inclusion” here today. Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gujjar and Shri Ramdas Athawale, Secretary, DoEPwD Shri N.S. Kang, Shri Kamlesh Pandey, Chairman National Trust and Shri Mukesh Jain, CEO of the Trust also graced the occasion. The objective of the function was to create awareness amongst various professionals and stakeholders and also the creation of support network for these persons with disabilities by sensitizing unreached section of society.Addressing on the occasion, Thawarchand Gehlot said that the National Trust Act for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities was passed in the Parliament on 30th December 1999 and it is working for the welfare of Divyangjans with commitment. He said that the National Trust is having 10 schemes for overall development of persons with disabilities which have been revised and launched last year and it has reached more than 74000 PwDs through its schemes. The Government is working on providing “Universal Identity Cards” to all Divyangjans which will be valid in all States for all schemes, he added.Shri Ramdas Athawale in his address said that the objective of National Trust is to create the support network for the persons with disabilities by sensitizing unreached section of society. Shri Krishan Pal Gujjar addressing on the occasion said that the Government is committed to the objectives set for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. Shri Kamlesh Pandey dwelt upon the various schemes and programmes of the National Trust for the welfare of the Divyangjans.
On this occasion many cultural performances were presented by Divyangjan children, viz. Group performed by Cheshire Homes India Delhi Unit; All religion Prayer by Manovikas Charitable Society; Dance performance on ‘Maa’Song by Akshaya Pratisthan; Dance performance on ‘Raghupati Raghav Rajaram’ song by Tamanna; Music performance on “Char Kadam” by Sense International and Anthem of “Vishwaas” by Vishwas. The National Trust is a Statutory Body under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The National Trust Act for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities was passed in the Parliament on 30th December 1999. Thus-30th December- the Foundation Day of National Trust- is a day on which National Trust re-commits itself to the objectives set before it for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.The National Trust has been set up to discharge two basic duties – legal and welfare. Legal duties are discharged through Local Level Committee (LLC) set up at district level under the chairmanship of the District Collector / District Magistrate and providing legal guardianship. Welfare duty is discharged through the schemes and activities. The schemes and activities of the National Trust inter-alia include training, awareness and capacity building programmes and shelter, care giving and empowerment. The National Trust is implementing 10 schemes for overall development of persons with disabilities which have been revised and launched last year. The National Trust has reached more than 74000 Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) through its schemes and activities. Details about the National Trust is available in www.thenationaltrust.gov.in.