Nagaland CM announces Rs one cr corpus for PWDs

December 3, 2023 9 Views No Comment

• Privileged should do more for PWDs
• Disability Pride Fair more than a fair

Morung Express News
Kohima | December 3

A first-of-its-kind convergence for the Persons with Disability (PWDs) community in the state, the Disability Pride Fair, was organized to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under the theme ‘United in Action and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for and by Persons with Disabilities’ at the Heritage Bamboo Hall, Kisama, today.

At the programme, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced a corpus fund of Rs 1 cr for PWDs. The fund will be sanctioned in the next budget session. Rio said that the money can be utilised as capital and its earnings put to PWDs activities.

He also announced a slew of other benefits, among which was to set up a state-level committee. It will be headed by the Chief Secretary as the chairperson and Home Commissioner, Finance Commissioner, Social Welfare Department and Commissioner of PWDs as members.

In addition to the rehabilitation center for PWDs in Dimapur, he informed that two more centres are coming up in Mon and Tuensang. While stating that there is still much to be done, he said that the state government would endeavour to achieve greater inclusivity.

According to the CM, the government and the privileged people should be more proactive and ensuring that the PWDs receive their fair share.

Lot to be done
State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Diethono Nakhro said that the past few years have seen many significant steps in the disability sector. She said that it includes the Nagaland Rights of PWDs Rules, job reservation for PWDs, setting up of special courts and a fully operational Disability Commissioner’s office.

However, she was quick to remind, “We are barely beginning to scratch the surface.” While stating the PWDs community continues to struggle in terms of accessing essential disability services, she highlighted the predicament of children with disabilities, who are still unable to step into classrooms because the education ecosystem continues to be extremely inaccessible. So many adults with disabilities continue to be forced to live a life of dependency because they are not being provided enabling environments, she added.

PWDs friendly Hornbill Fest
Nakhro further called for making the Hornbill Festival an accessible place for PWDs. The UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls on December 3, coinciding with Nagaland’s ‘Festival of Festivals.’

Making it consequential
Secretary, Social Welfare, Martha R Ritse, said that the Disability Pride Fair, more than an annual observation, is an inclusive platform to recognize the unwavering determination of individuals with disabilities and to promote their active inclusion in society.

“By focusing on their abilities and contributions, this fair seeks to challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and understanding community… This event today sends across a powerful message of solidarity, acceptance and the shared belief that everyone has a valuable role to play in building a more inclusive society.” She encouraged people to come forward in creating awareness about disability issues, challenge societal norms and advocate for their active inclusion in all facets of life.

The event also saw the release of a video on disability awareness. The sign language interpreters were Ruokuokhrienuo Vizotha and Catherine Thong.
During the Disability Pride Fair organized today, over 8 stalls promoting products and arts made by PWDs, disability forums and institutions were set up for display and sale. Karaoke, food and games stalls were the other highlights.

In separate event, a DIPR release informed that the Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang; Ambassador of Colombia to India, Dr Victor Echeverri Jaramillo; MLA A Pongshi Phom and other officials interacted with differently-abled children at the SDG One Stop Destination, Kisama.