Lok Sabha Question No. 2907 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Asperger’s Syndrome
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor, Shri Khagen Murmu, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

## ASPERGER'S SYNDROME

2907. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT  be pleased to state:

- (a) the mechanisms in place to assess the effectiveness and awareness initiatives in improving societal inclusivity and understanding of Asperger's Syndrome;
- (b) whether the Government is launching specific skill development and employment programmes tailored for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome to promote workplace inclusivity, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  engaged  with  private  organizations  or  NGOs  to  amplify  the outreach and effectiveness of such awareness programmes, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI B.L.VERMA)

- (a) The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) observes all defined disabilities  including  Asperger's  Syndrome  (Autism  Spectrum  Disorder)  under  Rights  for Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) in the form of  disability-related calendar days annually through its National Institutes (NIs), Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) and Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs).  To ensure  comprehensive documentation and  impact  assessment  of these events, the Department has developed a JotForm-based reporting mechanism. This requires all participating institutions to submit pre and post-event reports, including photographs, details of activities conducted.

These  reports form  the  basis for social media  dissemination,  press  releases  and promotional campaigns coordinated by the Department and its associated institutions. Additionally, the Department works closely with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to amplify awareness initiatives across relevant media platforms.

Unstarred Question No.2907

To be answered on 18.03.2025

(b) To enhance skills of Persons with Disabilities; to enable them to have gainful employment and to become self-reliant, productive and contribute members of society and stand up on their own  feet, Department  of  Empowerment  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  is  implementing  the National  Action  Plan  for  Skill  Development  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  (NAP-SDP).  Under NAP-SDP, skill training is imparting to persons with disabilities including Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in the age group of 15 to 59 years. Training under the NAP-SDP scheme  is  being  provided  through  various  Government  and  Non-Government  Organizations, empanelling  as  training  partners  (ETPs)  with  the  Department.  These  Government  and  NonGovernment Organizations provide skilling across the Country.

The Department has developed PM-DAKSH Portal-DEPwD for effective implementation of National Action Plan for Skill Development of PwDs (NAP-SDP). This portal is a one-stop digital destination for PwDs, who need skilling and employment and for Training organizations and Employers/job aggregators of PwDs.

- (i) Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas:- Skill training is conducted for PwDs through the portal across the country.
- (ii) Divyangjan  Rozgar  Setu:-  The  platform  aims  to  act  as  a  bridge  between  PwDs  and employers having jobs for PwDs. The platform provides geo-tagged based information on employment/earning opportunities within private companies as well as PwDs across India.

(c) The National Institutes working under the aegis of DEPwD actively collaborate with NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs) and local administrations,  state and district administrations and  NGOs  specializing  in  disability  rehabilitation  to  train  grassroots-level  workers  and  for expand awareness programs including  orientation programs on Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

On International Asperger's Day (February 18, 2025), National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) has organized a webinar titled 'Asperger's and Adulthood' under its E-Information Series - 16. The session, led by an expert in  special  education,  provided  insights  into  challenges  faced  by  individuals  with  Asperger's Syndrome  and  strategies  for  inclusion.  The  webinar  witnessed  active  participation  with  107 attendees joining via Google Meet and additional outreach through YouTube.

These  efforts  collectively  contribute  to  fostering  awareness,  early  intervention  and workplace inclusivity for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.

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