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Early Intervention Key to Securing Future of Children with Special Needs: Minister

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated a Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre in Noida, emphasizing early support as a national duty. He stated that the first six years of a child's life are critical for brain development and lifelong outcomes. The centre is designed to provide comprehensive therapies and family counselling under one roof. The Minister stressed that empowering parents with knowledge is key to ensuring no child with developmental delays is left behind.

Key Points: Early Intervention a National Duty for Kids with Special Needs

  • Inauguration of Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre
  • First six years are decisive for development
  • Centre to offer holistic, multi-disciplinary care
  • Families and caregivers are central to success
  • Goal is meaningful societal participation
2 min read

Early intervention a national responsibility to secure future of kids with special needs: Minister

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre, stressing early support as a national responsibility.

"Early childhood intervention is not merely a service, but a national responsibility to secure the future of every child. - Dr. Virendra Kumar"

New Delhi, Jan 23

Early intervention is a national responsibility to secure the future of children with developmental delays and other special needs, said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, on Friday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC) at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) in Noida, he emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to inclusive and early support systems.

He affirmed that the Ministry will continue to strengthen early intervention services so that children with developmental delays and disabilities can achieve their fullest potential and participate meaningfully in society.

"Early childhood intervention is not merely a service, but a national responsibility to secure the future of every child," Kumar said.

"Centres like CDEIC represent the government of India's resolve to reach children at the earliest stage, ensuring timely, scientific and compassionate support," he added.

Highlighting the transformative power of early intervention, Kumar noted that the first six years of life are decisive for brain development and lifelong outcomes in health, learning, and social participation.

Directing that the Noida centre evolve into a model of excellence, the Minister stressed that quality must be reflected not only in infrastructure and aesthetics, but also in advanced technology, skilled professionals, and evidence-based practices.

He further emphasised that families, especially parents and caregivers, are central to successful early intervention and instructed the centre to organise regular, structured caregiver training programmes with proper certification to empower families as equal partners in the child's developmental journey.

"Parents are the first and most powerful therapists in a child's life, and when empowered with the right knowledge and support, no child with developmental delay will ever be left behind," he added.

The Minister reiterated that with the combined efforts of professionals, institutions, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), CDEICs must become centres of hope, trust, and innovation.

The CDEIC at Noida is designed to provide holistic, multi-disciplinary services for children with developmental delays and other special needs. The centre will offer occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, medical consultation, special education, family counselling, and school-readiness interventions, enabling comprehensive care under one roof.

With state-of-the-art facilities, the centre is expected to cater to a large population of children in the critical 0-6 years age group from Noida and surrounding regions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative, but the real challenge is implementation and accessibility. Will these services be affordable for the common man? Or will they remain limited to urban areas like Noida? The government must ensure this model is replicated in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and rural districts.
A
Aman W
Absolutely correct. Early intervention is everything. The focus on the 0-6 age group is crucial. Brain development in these years sets the foundation for life. Empowering parents as partners is the key insight here. More power to such initiatives!
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Sarah B
I work in special education, and the Minister's point about "evidence-based practices" is vital. It's not just about having a centre; it's about the quality of intervention. Training skilled professionals is as important as the infrastructure. Hope they invest properly in that.
K
Karthik V
This is a national responsibility indeed. For too long, families have borne this burden alone, facing social stigma and financial ruin. A structured, government-backed system can change lives. Let's hope the execution matches the vision. Jai Hind.
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Nidhi U
The focus on caregiver training with certification is brilliant. It recognizes the unpaid, emotional labor of parents, mostly mothers, and gives it formal value. This can build a supportive community. Hope they include mental health support for parents too.

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