Kerala to launch ‘Sushakthi Mission’ to empower persons with disabilities

“Through Sushakthi, the government aims to integrate persons with disabilities more effectively into society and support them in achieving economic independence, social dignity and cultural participation. The initiative will also accelerate the implementation of welfare programmes and development projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the differently abled community,” she said.

The Kerala State Handicapped Persons’ Welfare Corporation will spearhead the implementation of the programme.

Key focus

A key focus of the mission will be to support the production and marketing of goods made by self-help groups and individuals who are part of the community. Products will be quality-checked, branded and promoted to ensure sustainable income generation.

The mission will also link members with welfare schemes, poverty alleviation programmes and employment-oriented rehabilitation initiatives in collaboration with government agencies and local self-government institutions.

Self-help groups comprising 10 to 20 members with at least 40% disability along with their guardians will be formed at the grassroots level. The initiative will function through a three-tier structure involving local development societies, district missions and a State-level governing body chaired by the Social Justice Minister.

Shubhayatra scheme

The launch event will also include the State-level distribution of 1,800 side-wheel scooters under the Shubhayatra scheme and certificates under the Hastadanam fixed deposit programme. The Chief Minister will also unveil the official logo of the Sushakthi Mission.

Dr. Bindu will preside over the function. Ministers V. Sivankutty and G. R. Anil, along with elected representatives, officials and leaders of organisations working in the disability sector, will attend the event.