QUEEN'S ROAD: State Health and Family Welfare department has been named the best employer by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India. The state’s department has provided jobs for 100 leprosy survivors from across the state.
Health and Family Welfare department called candidates from across the state in 2014 and selected 100 leprosy survivors with grade two disability. Joint Director (Leprosy) Dr Rathna B C said, “We scrutinised candidates with grade-two disability from cross the state, and employed them.”
The selected candidates were given counselling and posted in places preferred by them. The department applied for the award in July this year and the award was announced in early November. The minister for Health and Family Welfare UT Khader will receive the award today in New Delhi.
“There is stigma and discrimination among people who are suffering from leprosy. When they start contributing to the family income, they feel empowered,” said another official from the department.
The award will be given by the Prime Minister and includes a cash prize of `1 Lakh and a citation. The award will be presented on tomorrow in New Delhi.