The Times of India           07.10.2013 

Banglore civic body interested in ETC

VASHI: The concept of Education Training and Service Centre (ETC) in Vashi, for the differently abled, is likely to be replicated by the Bengaluru civic body.

The centre, reportedly the only one in the country to be run by the local government body, is offering various educational and therapeutic facilities under one roof for Persons with Different Abilities (PWDA). Various corporations including the Brihast Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) have made inquiries about the centre.

"Delegates from various corporations have approached the centre to study its functioning. Their queries are about budget provisions, infrastructure, staff recruitment, disability schemes.

The same concept is now being seriously considered to be incorporated in the state of Karanataka," said the director of the centre Varsha Bhagat.

Parivaar, a national confederation for the parents of children with disabilities, based in Bengaluru, found out about ETC during the national conference organised by NMMC last year. in Vashi

"We were aware about NMMC providing services for the differently abled under one roof but

The conference gave us an insight into the functioning of the centre.

We are currently in talks with the BBMP to give serious thought to replicate the ETC model in the city. The proposal was put up in April but has been delayed.

We are positive that such centres can be set up not only in Bengaluru but all across Karnataka," said the director of projects and development of Parivaar, JP Gadkari.