Srinagar, Jul 03 (KNS): Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPWDs) Commissioner, M Iqbal Lone Monday said that the laws and rules pertaining to the education, employment, social security and barrier-free access for the persons with disabilities (PWDs) shall be implemented in letter and spirit for the dignified social inclusion of the PWDs in J&K.
Lone according to the statement issued to KNS stated it in a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held at the Commissioner ate office, Old Secretariat in Srinagar.
Underscoring the need to sensitize public and private institutions, organizations and society at large about the rights of the PWDs, Lone said alongside laws, a conscious society is imperative for the complete welfare and progress for the PWDs.
“The CPWDs, as per its mandate and responsibility, will formulate a comprehensive plan of action for full implementation of the relevant laws, and also launch an awareness campaign for protection and equal participation of the rights of the PWDs,” he maintained.
Seeking views and suggestions of the stakeholders to achieve the goal of a disable-friendly and disable-sensitive society, Lone said they will be a part of the functioning of the CPWDs. “To achieve its objectives, the Commissioner ate envisages a structural liaison with the stockholders particularly the bonafide representatives of PWDs,” the Commissioner told the meeting.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Commenting on the need of a State law on the lines of recently-enacted Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 by the Union Government, Lone informed the meeting that the State government is in the process of enacting a law which is at par with the said Central law.
Referring to the demands put forth by the representative of the PWDs in their meetings with the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and the Minister for Social Welfare Sajad Gani Lone, the Commissioner said the CPWDs has incorporated all the demands and suggestions in the draft of the Act expected to be implemented in near future.
The meeting was attend by representatives of the NGOs working for disable including, media personals , Government Officials and some researchers from the concern field.
A detailed memorandum was also submitted to commissioner by different associations working for the welfare of disabled persons in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pertinently, the CPWDs is an apex quasi-judicial commission, responsible for overall protection and promotion of the rights of the PWDs in J&K. The responsibilities of this appellate and supervisory body include monitoring of the utilization of funds disbursed by the Central and State Governments and compliance of provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1998. (KNS)