- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:10 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Uttarakhand’s first District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Gandhi Centenary District Hospital, Dehradun. The centre aims to provide integrated services for persons with disabilities, including disability certificates, Aadhaar and UDID card registration, artificial limbs, hearing aids, physiotherapy, counselling, skill development, and employment training, all under one roof.
Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, the chief guest, described the initiative as a milestone toward building an empowered society. On the occasion, he distributed hearing aids to beneficiaries and presented awards to students with disabilities who excelled in art competitions.
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Rajpur Road MLA Khajandas, presiding over the programme, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of dignity for ‘Divyangjan’ was being realised through this centre. He also lauded the administration for effectively utilising the hospital’s vacant building. District Magistrate Savin Bansal noted that nearly 20 per cent of the population is affected by some form of disability, making such facilities crucial.
Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah assured that suggestions for improving the centre would be acted upon. Several local representatives and medical officers, including CMO Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma and CMS Dr Manu Jain, were present.
A State Referral Centre will also be established soon at the same hospital, with a budget already approved. According to CMS, Dr Manu Jain, the facility will feature a psychological assessment unit, ENT services, and physiotherapy. Additionally, a modern X-ray machine is being installed at the initiative of the District Magistrate.
Facilities at the DDRC
- Disability certificates and UDID/Aadhaar updates
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Psychological and social counselling
- Artificial limbs and hearing aids
- Skill development and vocational training
- Special education and employment training
A dedicated helpline (8077386815) and transport vehicle were also launched to assist persons with disabilities.
The centre will be managed by DDRC Dehradun Munishabha Seva Sadan and Rehabilitation Institute under the Social Welfare Department. Salaries for 14 sanctioned posts will be covered by the department, in line with the Government of India guidelines that encourage voluntary organisations to run such centres.
