Government Initiatives

India and Mauritius Sign MoU in Social Sector

The first working session on MoU between India and Mauritius for cooperation in the field of social defence and disability was held in New Delhi with the Indian delegation being led by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Meira Kumar and the Mauritius delegation by Smt. Sheilbai Bapoo, the Minister of Social Security and National Solidarity.

Addressing the session, Smt. Meira Kumar said that this the first kind of MoU in the social sector for long term cooperation in the areas of age care, drug demand reduction, community development and empowerment of person with disability. She further said that India and Mauritius have a common agenda to address the social sector issues.

With the signing of the MoU, the two countries have agreed to exchange expertise and capabilities for training, research and documentation as well as preparation of database in the field of age care, substance and alcohol abuse prevention, empowerment of persons with disabilities and other areas of social welfare and community development.

The MoU will certainly enhance the scope of cooperation between the Governments and Civil Societies of the two countries and facilitates closer interaction at people to people level. She expressed her hope that the MoU will open new vistas of cooperation between the two countries.

Elaborating the various welfare schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Kumar said that that the Ministry has launched National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) to ensure active and productive ageing by evolving a framework of providing financial, medical, social and emotional support. She said that Government has been taking a number of steps for treatment, care and rehabilitation of the victims of drugs.

Treatment and Rehabilitation services are being provided through four hundred centers. These Centres are run by NGOs and are financially supported by the Ministry. For reducing the demand for drugs and alcohol, we have mounted a national campaign, 'I decide, I don't take drugs'.

Highlighting the achievements in disability sector, the Minister said that the Ministry has made taken pioneering initiatives for empowerment of persons with disability. The Persons with Disabilities Act is a very proactive socially beneficial legislation.

This deals with various aspects including education, employment, social security etc. of persons with disabilities. She said that the seven National Institutes in disability sector as listed out in the MoU have together scripted an inspiring story of providing help, support and rehabilitation to scores of disabled people across the length and breadth of the country.

On the Occasion, Smt. Sheilabai Bappoo said that this is a comprehensive MoU between the two countries. Both the countries will be benefited by sharing their experience in social sector. She expressed her hope that it will address the issues like welfare of elderly, persons with disabilities, children in difficult circumstances and prevention of substance and alcohol abuse.

Source: Press Information Bureau. India and Mauritius hold first working session on MoU in social sector. 10 January 2008.