Experts deliberate on ways to speed up socio-economic development of Divyangs
GUWAHATI, Oct 8 - Innovative technology and proper utilisation of resources can propel �Atmanirbhar Bharat� for the well-being of Divyangs.
This was observed by experts at a webinar organised recently by PIB Guwahati, on the topic �150 years of celebrating Mahatma � propelling Atmanirbhar Bharat for socio-economic development of Divyangs�, a PIB release said.
Experts from the industry and the government sector along with academicians deliberated on the potential from the multi-sectoral and policy perspectives.
Mentioning the Central government�s initiative with examples of the Northeast and its challenges, innovator Uddhab Kumar Bharali said the 150th year of celebration of Mahatma Gandhi has added extra responsibility on all citizens to work for holistic development of all sections of society. He said technology and creativity can play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Divyangs.
�Creative utilisation of technology, such as machines to feed the disabled, slippers for knees, cleaners, and de-weeders for amputees, a variety of peeler machines to peel betel nuts, garlic, jatropha, coconut and safed musli are ways to empower the Divyangs so that they are Atmanirbhar in their working,� he said, adding that the �First-mover advantage of technology� for the Northeast is a telling story of empowerment for Divyangs.
Naresh Chander Lal said that the Central government�s initiatives are encouraging socio-economic development of Divyangs. He emphasized the quintessential aspect of effort for encouraging entrepreneurship and knowledge among the Divyangjan community, generating awareness in society about the potential of Divyangs and providing marketing opportunity to entrepreneurs. He said Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs were playing a vital role in the development of the country.
Prof Kishor Goswami, Dept of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Kharagpur, delved into the utilisation of technology for the development and well-being of Divyangs. He said technology has to be low-cost and cost-effective for its maximum utility.
Appreciating the endeavours of the Central government, Prof Goswami said that artificial intelligence and latest technology utilisation could be a game-changer for economic and social development of Divyangs. He elaborated that devices for Divyangs have to be dovetailed for local environments and made eco-friendly and easily accessible to the common people.
Taranjit Singh, MD, JIS Group, and Amit Srivastav, Director JIS Group said that there is huge potential in the Central government programmes Startup and Stand-up India in the sector.
The webinar elicited enthusiastic participation of leading entrepreneurs of Assam and the other northeastern states.
Earlier, Pallav Chakravorty, Deputy Director, PIB, welcomed the experts. It was planned and coordinated by Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director (M&C), PIB Guwahati.
