The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the State Institute of Special Education and Research (SISER), inaugurated the State-level Continuous Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme in Bhubaneswar on November 27, 2025.
Social Security and Empowerment Minister Nityananda Gond attended the programme as the chief guest at the Lok Seva Bhavan Conference Hall. He stated that early care and treatment for children can help control disabilities. Moreover, he highlighted this year’s theme, “Importance of Early Intervention for Multiple Disabilities,” and emphasised that persons with disabilities possess inherent talents. He further assured that the government remains committed to providing them with quality services.
The government has already established rehabilitation centres at district and block levels through DDRCs, IICs, and other institutions. These centres provide treatment, special education, and integrated physical and mental care. In addition, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated the recruitment of special educators in blocks to support children with disabilities studying in mainstream schools. Plans are underway to appoint 1,500 teachers.
The minister added that the government continues to supply assistive devices, livelihood support, and awareness programmes to empower persons with disabilities. Consequently, he urged officials, employees, and citizens to work with dedication for successful implementation.
Director IAS Parul Patwari explained that children with physical disabilities and autism receive therapies such as speech and occupational therapy to enhance their abilities. She also stressed the importance of early evaluation, continuous planning, coordination among doctors and specialists, and family care.
Around 150 participants attended the CRE session. Furthermore, senior officials, including Rajani Jani, Dr Smruti Mahapatra, and Jitendra Biswal, delivered addresses. Additional Secretary Bhaskar Rait, Deputy Secretaries Deepak Rautaray and Sonia Behera, along with SISER and RC Jajpur officials and trainees, also joined the programme.
