Question

President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the annual National Awards on individuals, institutions, organizations, and state/district, etc. in December 2021. Which state has been recognised as the ‘Best State in promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities'?
1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Gujarat
4. Punjab

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Tamil Nadu

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

• President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the annual National Awards on individuals, institutions, organizations, and state/district, etc., for their outstanding achievements and work towards the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• The awards were presented on 3 December 2021.
• Tamil Nadu has been recognised as the ‘Best State in promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities’.

• National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for the year 2020, are being given under the following categories: -
  • Best Employee/Self-Employed Person with Disabilities.
  • Best Employers and Placement Officers and/or Agencies.
  • Best Individual and Institution, working for the cause of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Role Model.
  • Best Applied Research or Innovation or Product, aimed at improving the life of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Outstanding Work in the creation of a barrier-free environment for Persons with Disabilities.
  • Best District in providing rehabilitation services.
  • Outstanding Creative Adult Person with Disabilities.
  • Best Creative Child with Disabilities.
  • Best Braille Press.
  • Best State (i) in Promoting Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Best Sports-person with Disabilities.

• Till 2017, the Award Scheme was governed under the National Awards Rules, 2013 which provided 7 categories of disabilities as per the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
• However, with the coming into force of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 with effect from 19th April 2017, the number of specified disabilities increased from 7 to 21 under the new Law.
• Accordingly, all 21 disabilities have been included under the National Award Guidelines.