In a heartfelt address at the inauguration of the Cross Disability Early Intervention Center (CDEIC) in Noida, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the pivotal role parents play in a child’s developmental journey. Speaking at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) regional center in Sector-40, Noida, on January 23, the minister declared that parents are the first and most influential therapists in their child’s life.
Dr. Kumar highlighted that when equipped with the right knowledge and support, parents can ensure no child suffering from developmental delays falls behind. The government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and early assistance systems was a key theme of his speech. He stressed that early childhood intervention is not merely a service but a national responsibility to secure every child’s future.
Delving into the transformative power of early intervention, the minister noted that the first six years of life are critical for brain development, health, learning, and social participation, shaping lifelong outcomes. Centers like the new CDEIC in Noida symbolize the government’s resolve to reach children in their earliest stages with timely, scientific, and compassionate support.
Directing the center to become a model of excellence, Dr. Kumar insisted that quality must extend beyond infrastructure to include advanced technology, skilled professionals, and evidence-based practices. He placed families, especially parents and caregivers, at the heart of successful interventions, ordering regular, structured caregiver training programs with certification to empower them as equal partners in their child’s growth.
The minister envisioned CDEIC as a hub of hope, confidence, and innovation through collaborative efforts of professionals, institutions, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). He assured continued strengthening of early intervention services so children with developmental delays and disabilities can achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary at DEPwD, informed that the Noida center is the 28th CDEIC under the department, reflecting the ministry’s focused approach to early identification and intervention. She encouraged the NIEPID team to deliver high-quality, child-centered, family-oriented services and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting these centers nationwide.
Designed for children with developmental delays and special needs aged 0-6, the Noida CDEIC offers comprehensive multidisciplinary services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, medical consultations, special education, family counseling, and school-readiness interventions—all under one roof. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it will serve a large population in Noida and surrounding areas.
During the visit, the minister and dignitaries toured CDEIC facilities, model special education centers, inclusive primary schools, mobile therapy buses, and PMDKC setups. The event featured vibrant cultural performances by children with special needs, distribution of NIEPID Disha curriculum materials, assistive devices, and teaching-learning aids. It concluded with a tree-planting drive led by the minister and Additional Secretary, symbolizing growth, sustainability, timely care, and collective responsibility for nurturing every child’s potential.
