The Government is soon to come up with a new legislation for empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, in harmony with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Diabilities, UNCRPD. Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik stated this in a message which was read out at the inaugural function of a national conference on livelihoods for persons with disabilities in New Delhi today. Mr Wasnik said, it is the government's endeavour to create an inclusive environment where PWDs could enjoy their rights and fulfill their responsibilities.

Observing that effective inclusion of PWDs in the workforce is a pre-requisite for promotion and true realisation of inclusive development, Mr Wasnik said, this will require very effective and coordinated efforts and convergence among various stakeholders in the government, corporate sector and civil society. He expressed confidence that all the stakeholders in this area would come up with new innovative ideas for generating livelihood options for disabled people. Speaking on the ocassion, Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment K M Acharya said it is important to identify, educate and ensure skill development of PWDs to increase employment opportunities for them in both public and private sectors. He said, a separate Department of Disability under the ministry has been formed to address issues of people with disability and empower them with education and career opportunities.

Our correspondent reports that a job portal was also launched to support candidates build their links with local employers, financial institutions and community stakeholders to access training and opportunities for self employment.