New deptt for disabled, elderly, third gender

Bhubaneswar: In a welcome step, the State government today inaugurated a new department to dedicated to serve the persons with disabilities, senior citizens and the transgender community.

The department bearing the moniker of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities was inaugurated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik in the premises of Capital Hospital here this morning.

Earlier, the Disability Welfare department aimed at persons with mental and physical disabilities was operating under the Women and Child Development department. With the constitution of the new department, there are plans to bring the Disability Welfare department into its fold.

Moreover, the new department will also work for the welfare of senior citizens and the third gender.