Focus on Safe Housing and Self-Reliance for Abandoned, Mentally Disabled Women
Lucknow: In a major step toward the rehabilitation and empowerment of mentally disabled and multi-disabled homeless women, Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has established a 50-bed Mental Disability Shelter-cum-Training Centre for Women in Lucknow. The centre was formally inaugurated on Tuesday by Narendra Kashyap, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Class Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
During the inaugural event, Minister Kashyap distributed kits of essential daily-use items to the women residents of the facility. Speaking on the occasion, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring protection, care, and rehabilitation of women with mental disabilities who have often been neglected or abandoned by society.
“This centre is not just a shelter; it is a step towards self-reliance and dignity for these women,” said Minister Kashyap. “Alongside providing them with a safe place to live, the centre will offer them training in basic life skills and vocational abilities to help them live more independently.”
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
The newly launched shelter will serve as both a residential facility and a training hub, specifically designed to support women with intellectual and multiple disabilities. It aims to not only address the immediate need for secure housing but also focus on long-term rehabilitation through tailored training programs.
To mark the auspicious occasion of the fourth Tuesday of the holy month of Jyeshtha, a community feast (bhandara) was also organized at the centre. Minister Kashyap personally took part in the event and served food to the residents, offering blessings and encouragement.
Officials Present at the Inauguration
The event was attended by key officials from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, including:
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Ranjit Singh, Joint Director, Headquarters
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Monika Lal, Deputy Director, Lucknow Division
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Rajneesh Kiran, District Disability Empowerment Officer, Lucknow
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Village head of Parwar Purab, Sarojininagar, and other local dignitaries and staff members.
The centre represents a significant stride in inclusive development policies being adopted across Uttar Pradesh. It also aligns with the state’s larger vision to provide equal opportunities and dignity to persons with disabilities through well-structured social infrastructure and community participation.
