Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and the Prime Minister’s Office, has highlighted the importance of educating mothers to catch disabilities in children early. Speaking at an event organised by SAKSHAM, he said that women are often the first to notice developmental or health concerns in their children, making their awareness crucial for disability prevention and intervention.
What the announcement covers
Dr. Singh emphasised that prevention of avoidable disabilities should begin before a child is born. During pregnancy, he said, regular antenatal check-ups and screening can detect certain conditions at an early stage, allowing for timely medical advice and reducing preventable risks. He pointed to key areas where maternal awareness matters: maternal health, adequate nutrition, antenatal care, prevention of infections, safe use of medicines, and regular health check-ups.
The Minister outlined several government measures already in place to support persons with disabilities:
- India’s first high-tech Sports Training Centre for Divyangjan was opened in Madhya Pradesh, leading to India’s 29-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
- Cross-disability early treatment centres are being set up across the country to identify and assist children with disabilities from infancy.
- Government employees with children with disabilities now have access to exemptions from rotational transfers, Children Education Allowance up to age 22, consideration for postings near medical facilities, and up to two years of paid Child Care Leave.
The Prabudh Matri Shakti Sammelan, the event where Dr. Singh spoke, was organised to engage mothers, teachers, healthcare workers and community leaders in the mission of disability prevention and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
What this means for you
If you are a mother or pregnant woman, the government is emphasising the need for regular health monitoring to catch potential developmental issues early. For families with children who have disabilities, various support systems—from specialised training centres to financial allowances for government employees—are being strengthened. At the broader level, the message is that early identification and intervention, combined with community awareness, can help prevent some disabilities and enable children with disabilities to participate more fully in education and society.