TN Govt Reinstates Bookbinding Training for Disabled After CM’s Intervention

As per the directives of the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a significant decision has been made concerning the welfare of disabled individuals. During a press briefing today (19.10.2024), the Honorable Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ma. Subramanian, announced the withdrawal of the government order number 21 concerning the welfare of disabled persons, which was initially issued on 20.09.2024.

Following discussions with the Tamil Nadu Federation of Associations for the Disabled, Mr. Subramanian held a meeting today (19.10.2024) at the Secretariat to address the concerns raised by these associations. The Tamil Nadu Federation comprises nearly 10 different associations representing various categories of persons with disabilities across the state.

One of the key demands put forth by the Federation was to continue the bookbinding training program at the government vocational training center for the visually impaired in Poonamallee. This training had been provided to 21 individuals annually, but it was recently discontinued. The government had decided to stop the program due to advancements in modern library facilities, digitalization of books, and the installation of sophisticated machinery in government printing presses, including equipment like Gathering, Wire Stitching, Perfect Binding, and Automatic Folding machines.

Authorities noted that the visually impaired individuals trained in bookbinding would be unable to operate these modern machines, which rendered the traditional training obsolete. In response, the state planned to offer more suitable training alternatives for the visually impaired, prompting the discontinuation of the existing program. However, the Federation expressed opposition to the decision, highlighting that the bookbinding training was an essential skill development program, despite the limited number of trainees. They even approached the judiciary regarding the issue.

Upon learning of the situation, the Honorable Chief Minister emphasized that the government is committed to protecting the interests of disabled individuals and directed officials to reconsider the matter in consultation with the associations. Following these discussions, the government reversed the decision to discontinue the training program, ensuring it would continue.

During the meeting, the Federation also appreciated the allocation of ₹1,370 crores for the welfare of persons with disabilities in the Tamil Nadu budget for 2024-25, which surpassed the central government’s grant of ₹1,225 crores. The Federation acknowledged that Tamil Nadu provides some of the most extensive welfare measures for the disabled in India.

The Chief Minister’s intervention was lauded, with associations expressing gratitude for swiftly addressing their concerns. Additionally, ongoing court proceedings regarding the issue will be withdrawn, as announced by Mr. Mahanagaran, a representative of the Federation. The Minister assured a smooth resolution to other grievances raised during the discussions.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Ms. C.G. Tamilarasi, IAS, Secretary for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, and Ms. M. Lakshmi, IAS, Director for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, along with members of the Federation.