New Delhi: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Cooperation in Disability Sector was signed between the Government of India and the Government of Australia on 22.11.2018 during the visit of the President of India to Australia. As a follow up of taking forward implementation of this MoU, an Australian Delegation headed by Prof. Allen Myers, Chancellor, Melbourne University met Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Thaawarchand Gehlot yesterday. Smt Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD and Smt Dolly Chakrabarty, Joint Secretary, DEPwD were present in the meeting.
Welcoming the Australian Delegation, Union Minister highlighted the action taken by the Government for empowerment of persons with disabilities including enactment of the RPwD Act, 2016. He emphasised the need for the two countries to work in the direction of community sensitisation, research in disability sector with special focus on mental health rehabilitation and inclusive education.
The Australian Delegation appreciated the efforts of the Government in empowerment of persons with disabilities in India. They have noted significant synergy in activities in the disability sector in India as compared to their country. During the conversation with Union Minister, the Australian delegation expressed their willingness to cooperate with the agencies in India for empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities especially the area of early intervention & detection, community sensitisation, mental health rehabilitation including counselling of parents and care givers etc.
