NIEPVD Launches ‘Antar Drishti’, Signs Inclusion Tech Deal

08 Apr 2025 CW Team

The innovative facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Also present were Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Shri Pradeep Anirudhan, Director of NIEPVD.

Designed as a completely dark room, ‘Antar Drishti’ allows visitors to momentarily step into the world of those with visual impairments. Through sensory-focused activities in a pitch-dark environment, participants can better understand the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The initiative seeks to foster empathy, societal awareness, and deeper inclusion.

In a parallel move to promote inclusive technology, NIEPVD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amar Seva Sangam, a reputed organization engaged in disability rehabilitation and inclusive development. The MoU marks a key step toward integrating the ‘Enable Inclusion’ App—a digital tool developed by Amar Seva Sangam—into NIEPVD’s programming.

The app facilitates early identification, intervention, and tracking of children with developmental disabilities. With NIEPVD’s inputs, the platform will now include specialized features addressing the needs of persons with visual impairments.

“This digital collaboration will boost access to early intervention and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities across the country,” said Shri Rajesh Aggarwal at the event. “The vision is to make inclusive development tech-driven and accessible to all.”

The enhanced app is expected to streamline tele-counseling, personalized service delivery, and rehabilitation planning, setting a national benchmark for inclusive practices.

While no project value was disclosed, initiatives like these signal the growing investment in technology-driven inclusion and are aligned with DEPwD’s national vision for holistic development of persons with disabilities.

The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Dehradun, in collaboration with the National Association for the Blind (NAB), New Delhi, inaugurated a one-of-a-kind sensory experience centre called ‘Antar Drishti’ on April 7, 2025. The innovative facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Also present were Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Shri Pradeep Anirudhan, Director of NIEPVD. Designed as a completely dark room, ‘Antar Drishti’ allows visitors to momentarily step into the world of those with visual impairments. Through sensory-focused activities in a pitch-dark environment, participants can better understand the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The initiative seeks to foster empathy, societal awareness, and deeper inclusion. In a parallel move to promote inclusive technology, NIEPVD also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amar Seva Sangam, a reputed organization engaged in disability rehabilitation and inclusive development. The MoU marks a key step toward integrating the ‘Enable Inclusion’ App—a digital tool developed by Amar Seva Sangam—into NIEPVD’s programming. The app facilitates early identification, intervention, and tracking of children with developmental disabilities. With NIEPVD’s inputs, the platform will now include specialized features addressing the needs of persons with visual impairments. “This digital collaboration will boost access to early intervention and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities across the country,” said Shri Rajesh Aggarwal at the event. “The vision is to make inclusive development tech-driven and accessible to all.” The enhanced app is expected to streamline tele-counseling, personalized service delivery, and rehabilitation planning, setting a national benchmark for inclusive practices. While no project value was disclosed, initiatives like these signal the growing investment in technology-driven inclusion and are aligned with DEPwD’s national vision for holistic development of persons with disabilities.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..