Improve delivery of schemes for disabled: President

President Pranab Mukherjee today called for reinforcing efforts to put better delivery mechanisms in place for entitlements to persons with disabilities, besides refining policy framework.
Mukherjee said children with disabilities should have access, from the very beginning of their school lives, to the best possible educational opportunities that will enable them to cope with their disability and overcome any lack of confidence.
During the award function for empowerment of persons with disabilities here, Mukherjee sidelined protocol and came down from the podium to give "Model Personality award" to Rajinder Johar, who was brought on stretcher to receive the honour even as his official attendants were looking for a way to take him to the stage.

66-year-old Johar, who worked as an occupational therapist, turned into quadriplegic state, paralysed from below the chest, in a shooting accident in 1985 but did not give up and is working to provide sustenance to all those marginalised by the society because of disability.
Speaking on the International Day for People with Diabilities, the President said it is important to acknowledge that although Indians have been conditioned by religion and values to be sensitive to the needs of the differently abled, the country needs a lot to do to facilitate them in their routine lives.
"Government of India has introduced a Bill for Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Parliament. However, besides refining our policy framework, it is essential for us to reinforce our efforts to put better delivery mechanisms in place," Mukherjee said.

The President also launched a web portal 'www.Swavlamban.Info' which will provide details of all the aid and assisting products available for the people with disabilities.