Pune Hosts Empowerment Camp For Children With Disabilities, Reinforcing Inclusion And Legal Support

Pune, June 30, 2025: In a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and empowering children with disabilities, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Pune, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), Mumbai, and under the guidance of the Hon’ble High Court Juvenile Justice Committee, organized a Special Empowerment Camp on June 28, 2025. The event took place at Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Ganeshkhind, Pune, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

The camp was held to provide essential services to children with benchmark disabilities and to raise awareness about their rights and entitlements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.

Highlights of the Event:

Senior dignitaries, legal authorities, healthcare professionals, and NGO representatives came together to support the initiative.

The program featured several key addresses and activities:

Certification distribution to children with disabilities by Sonal S. Patil, Secretary, DLSA Pune. Speech was delivered to the attendees by Paresh Gandhi, CEO, Divyang Bhawan, PCMC. Other speakers included Pravin Puri, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

Presidential address by Mahendra K. Mahajan, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Pune, and Chairman, DLSA Pune while Vote of thanks by Sangita Dawakar, Assistant Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra. 

Services Provided to Beneficiaries:

Over 100 children underwent screening and medical assessments, while nearly 500 participants benefitted from a wide range of support services, including:

Medical screening and certification for 21 benchmark disabilities under the RPWD Act, 2016

Legal aid and counselling for both children and parents

Aadhaar registration

Information and support for welfare schemes by PMC and PCMC

Guidance on educational scholarships and National Trust Act benefits

Details about National Open University facilities

Pension schemes for children of government employees

Medical teams from Aundh District Hospital and YCM Hospital conducted comprehensive disability screenings.

Disabilities Covered Included:

Blindness, Low Vision, Hearing Impairment, Locomotor Disability, Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Speech and Language Disability, Thalassemia, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Disease, Learning Disabilities, Acid Attack Victims, Dwarfism, Chronic Neurological Conditions, and Multiple Disabilities.

Community and NGO Participation:

Several NGOs extended support for the smooth functioning of the event:

Pratik Engle, Action for Impact Foundation, Ekansh Trust, and Saptrishi Foundation assisted with UDID registration

Jain Divine Group NGO, led by Sanket Shah, helped distribute wheelchairs and school supplies

Shah organized lunch for 500 attendees

Bal Kalyan Sanstha, chaired by  Prataprao Pawar, provided the venue and refreshments

“Every child, regardless of ability, deserves the same opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. Inclusion is not an option—it is a right.” – Mahendra K. Mahajan

“When we include children with disabilities in every sphere of life, we strengthen the very fabric of our society. Their empowerment is our collective responsibility.” – Sonal Patil, Secretary, DLSA Pune

The event concluded on a note of gratitude from the DLSA Pune, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders who contributed to making the camp a meaningful step toward inclusive justice.