Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MSP)

Mangalore, Jun 6: Pavoor Education Trust has decided to lend a helping hand to the disabled people of the district. It has obtained permission from the union government to take over the now defunct district disability rehabilitation centre (DDRC) and run the same. It also proposes to shift the centre from its earlier venue in Kuntikan to a new building being constructed by it in Kadri.

The centre was left in the lurch after Dr M V Shetty Trust that was managing it, showed reluctance to do so after the union government decided to cut grants substantially. The ministry of social justice and empowerment under whose jurisdiction DDRC falls, wants to privatize all such centres and therefore had slashed its grants.

Thousands of disabled were left to suffer after the centre stopped functioning. It is learnt that that Pavoor Education Trust had opted to run the centre but clearance from the union government came after a wait of about 18 months. Trust president Dinesh Alva proposes to start the centre as soon as the new building under construction is completed. Steps are being taken to recruit adequate staff, he assured.