Srinagar, 21 Sep (KNS) : The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Monday distributed medals and certificates of distinction among the winners of the 8th Srinagar District Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior Games Championship for deaf and speech-impaired athletes, held at Gindun Park, Rajbagh, Srinagar.

In a statement issued , Tanvir Sadiq said that the National Conference has always championed the cause of a dignified life and equal opportunities for every vulnerable and marginalised section of society. He said that providing persons with disabilities with meaningful opportunities in education, employment, skill development, financial assistance and sports is essential to enable them to become self-reliant, empowered and active members of society.

He said that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework in Jammu and Kashmir contains provisions for reservation in government employment and higher education, along with inclusive education and equal opportunities in sports. These measures, he said, reflect the party’s longstanding commitment towards the empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Tanvir Sadiq said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is taking the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities seriously and is working towards further strengthening their welfare, social inclusion and access to a dignified life.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said he would raise their issues and demands with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to further improve their access to education, financial assistance, skill development, employment and other essential services.

Welcoming the approval by the Omar Abdullah government of free travel on government transport for persons with disabilities, he said the initiative fulfils the government’s budgetary commitment and represents an important step towards inclusive and people-oriented governance. Under the facility, persons with disabilities will be able to travel free of cost on JKRTC buses as well as Jammu and Srinagar Smart City e-buses.

The National Conference Chief Spokesperson said sports play an important role in building confidence, courage and self-reliance among persons with disabilities. He stressed the need to expand sports opportunities, training facilities, appropriate infrastructure and encouragement programmes at the district and provincial levels so that such athletes can further hone their talents and bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir at national and international platforms.

Tanvir Sadiq congratulated all the participating athletes, their parents, coaches and organisers and said that recognising the abilities of persons with disabilities and respecting their dignity, aspirations and determination is a collective responsibility of society. (KNS)