News

Volume 4 Issue 9 - May 01, 2006

National Capital Region gets round-the-clock disability helpline

D.N.I.S. News Network - A major reason for disabled people not being able to avail benefits entitled to them under government schemes and policies is the lack of awareness or access to information about them. A 24-hour telephone service inaugurated recently by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar marks a beginning for addressing this problem.

The service based on Interactive Voice Response System (I.V.R.S.) will provide round the clock information on diagnosis, treatment, counselling, education, employment, government schemes and facilities related to all disabilities.

A Ministry release claims that the service will be one of the largest I.V.R.S. in the world in terms of the volume of information with varied channels of information dissemination. The information will be available in Hindi and English. The service is available on the following numbers: 29825094, 29825095 and 29825096. Information can be availed through S.M.S., E-Mail and Fax on demand.

The ‘Disability Line’ in Delhi is the second such facility in the country. The first Disability Line is functional in Maharashtra – Goa Telecom Circle since 19 September 2005. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposes to set up similar services in all telephone circles in the country soon with information available in Hindi and local languages. The work in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar has already been initiated.