Srinagar, Dec 03 (KNS): Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities on Saturday observed 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities' in Jammu and Srinagar wherein speakers thrusted upon to ensure full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.
The said it is not only the responsibility of Government but that of every citizen to work individually and collectively for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
"It is a matter of great delight that we are observing World Disability Day along with rest of the country. India has always remained on the forefront for ensuring equality of opportunity, accessibility, inherent dignity, non-discrimination, equality between men and women for persons with disabilities. It has been the constant endeavour of the Central Government as well as the Government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to ensure full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society. It is not only the responsibility of Government but that of every citizen to work individually and collectively for the welfare of persons with disabilities. The Government is also sensitive to the need of the hour to ensure equality, evolve capacities and protecting the rights of children with disabilities, opening windows of opportunities as is available to any other Persons with Disabilities" Commissioner, Iqbal Lone emphasized.
He said the Government will ensure that 3 DECEMBER all Government and private educational institutions provide hassle free admission and impart education to these children of God free of cost. United Nations has been the torch bearer for protection of rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations Convention adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 13th day of December 2006 lays down the principles for empowerment of persons with disabilities, Iqbal Lone said while addressing the event at Convocation Centre canal road Jammu.
Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department as chief guest at the occasion said “I am happy to note that this Central Act was extended to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after 5th August 2019. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir also framed the Jammu and Kashmir Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2021 to benefit the persons with disabilities with the vast provisions of the Central law. Under these rules, the Government have designated authorities who shall issue Disability Certificates to persons suffering from benchmark disabilities within a prescribed time frame. Now, persons with disabilities have access to better health care, education, sports events, free education, cultural activities and most importantly reservation in employment".
She said "Social Welfare Department has already issued an order in this regard providing for employment avenues in various departments for persons suffering with benchmark disabilities. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir recently appointed the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities who shall work as a friend, philosopher, and guide to the persons with disabilities. There is ample scope for joint efforts by the Social Welfare Department and the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to conduct, encourage, and promote awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities provided under the Central Act are protected".
Answering the queries of audience and media persons, Iqbal Lone Commissioner Disabilities said, "There is a provision for any aggrieved person with disabilities to approach the Commissioner for Disabilities who has been vested with the powers of a Civil Court for this purpose. The Commissioner shall ensure that there is zero tolerance for discrimination against persons with disabilities".
"On this auspicious day, I take the opportunity to reassure the persons with disabilities that they will not be left behind anymore. They shall no longer end up disconnected, live in isolation or face discrimination. They will be treated with respect and dignity in every sphere of life and help make India a model country to inspire the rest of the world with our commitment to ensure 'LIFE WITH DIGNITY' for persons with disabilities", Lone asserted.
Pertinent to mention that the function was organised by UNICEF AND Elfa International in collaboration with the Commissioner for Persons With Disabilities held in both places, Jammu (convocation hall Circut House), in Srinagar the chief guest was Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole. Hundreds of participants from the Universities, Civil Society Organisations, media and other walks of life participated in this event. The unique and extraordinary attraction of this occasion was the oath ceremony of all the participants pledged to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. (KNS)