Parents are the first and most powerful therapists: Government will ensure no child is left behind

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): “Parents are the first and most powerful therapists in a child’s life, and when empowered with the right knowledge and support, no child with developmental delay will ever be left behind,” said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, while inaugurating the Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC) at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Regional Centre, Sector-40, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Emphasising the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and early support systems, the Minister underscored that early childhood intervention is not merely a service, but a national responsibility to secure the future of every child.

Highlighting the transformative power of early intervention, Dr. Virendra Kumar noted that the first six years of life are decisive for brain development and lifelong outcomes in health, learning and social participation. He stated that centres like CDEIC represent the Government of India’s resolve to reach children at the earliest stage, ensuring timely, scientific and compassionate support. Directing that the Noida centre evolve into a model of excellence, the Minister stressed that quality must be reflected not only in infrastructure and aesthetics, but also in advanced technology, skilled professionals and evidence-based practices. He further emphasised that families, especially parents and caregivers, are central to successful early intervention and instructed the centre to organise regular, structured caregiver training programmes with proper certification to empower families as equal partners in the child’s developmental journey.

Briefly outlining his vision, the Hon’ble Minister reiterated that with the combined efforts of professionals, institutions and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), CDEICs must become centres of hope, trust and innovation. He affirmed that the Ministry will continue to strengthen early intervention services so that children with developmental delays and disabilities can achieve their fullest potential and participate meaningfully in society.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the steady expansion of Cross Disability Early Intervention Centres across the country. She informed that the newly inaugurated centre at Noida is the 28th CDEIC established under the Department, reflecting the Ministry’s focused and sustained approach towards early identification and intervention. She encouraged the NIEPID team to deliver top-class, child-centric and family-oriented services, reiterating the Department’s commitment to supporting and strengthening these centres nationwide.

The CDEIC at Noida is designed to provide holistic, multi-disciplinary services for children with developmental delays and other special needs. The centre will offer Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Medical Consultation, Special Education, Family Counselling and school-readiness interventions, enabling comprehensive care under one roof. With state-of-the-art facilities, the centre is expected to cater to a large population of children in the critical 0–6 years age group from Noida and surrounding regions.

During the visit, the Hon’ble Minister and other dignitaries toured the CDEIC facilities, the Model Special Education Centre, the Model Inclusive Primary School and the NIEPID Regional Centre. They also inspected the Mobile Therapy Bus and PMDK facilities. The programme witnessed a vibrant cultural presentation by Children With Special Needs, distribution of NIEPID DISHA curriculum materials, and the provision of assistive aids, appliances and teaching-learning materials to beneficiaries.

The event concluded with a tree plantation drive led by the Hon’ble Minister and the Additional Secretary, symbolising growth, sustainability and a shared commitment to nurturing every child’s potential—much like the saplings planted, destined to grow strong with timely care and collective responsibility.