NEW DELHI, OCT 25: The first meeting of the Board of the National Trust for welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Maneka Gandhi here today.The Board has formed several sub-committees to chalk out the future mode of operation of the Trust, which will endeavour to involve the family and community in offering social security to the disabled.One sub-committee will identify need-based programmes such as day care centres, modes of providing guidance in legal and medical matters. It would also decide on matters like short-term homes for the disabled and their guardians, respite homes for the parents, vocational training modules for care-givers, the Ministry said in a statement.A sub-committee was also formed on laws, rules and procedures which would draw up a model set of regulations under the National Trust Act. The focus would be on resolving the guardianship issues, the statement added. The Board has decided to seek the help of legal persons and parents with disabled wards for the purpose. Another sub-committee on plan formulation will formulate short and long term plans of action with special emphasis on developing training modules for parents and care-givers. The National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Secunderabad would be the nodal agency for this task.The Board also formed a sub-committee which will enhance interaction between associations of disabled persons. For the purpose of appointing guardians for the target groups, the Board will set up district level committees comprising the district collector or district magistrate, disabled persons and an organisation registered with the Board.The Trust was set up by an Act of Parliament in December 1999 to ensure that the potential of persons coming under its purview is recognised and such persons are protected from abuse.
