Odisha Govt Signs MoUs to Boost Skill Development and Computer Education for Students with Disabilities

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has signed two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering inclusive growth for students with disabilities in Odisha. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Nityananda Gond, Minister of School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, and SSEPD.

The agreements were signed with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Kolkata, and the Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), focusing on skill development and employability for students with disabilities. The SCPD will provide one-year skill training to students in trades such as fashion design, automotive services, hospitality, security services, and more, preparing them for various private sector jobs. The MoU was signed by Director Niyati Patnaik and officials from the SSEPD, while Rabindra Singh, CEO, and Salini Khanna, Chairperson, represented SCPD.

In addition, another MoU with CDAC aims to provide computer education for visually challenged students. Under the first phase, 500 students and teachers will receive 1.5 years of training in basic computing skills. CDAC will also provide digital voice recorders, desktops, laptops, and necessary software to empower these students. Ritesh Mukharjee, Associate Director at CDAC, along with other senior scientists, signed the agreement on behalf of the organization.

Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of the SSEPD Department, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring learning and skill development opportunities for the disabled population of Odisha. These initiatives are seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the employability and digital literacy of students with disabilities.