DIMAPUR, JULY 30 (MExN): Under the aegis of All Nagaland Disabled People’s Organization (ANDPO), a meeting of all Educated and Unemployed Disabled Youth was convened on July 29 at Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima. About 40 educated disabled and representatives of various organizations attended the meeting. The meeting deliberated on the myriads of problems faced by physically challenged persons in education, employment, accessibility and widespread discriminations. The press release jointly issued by Chairman K.Khiungtsukiu, General Secretary and Treasurer Tezenchu Semy stated that the meeting resolved to appoint a full-time Disabilities Commissioner, with independent charge. It was felt that by depriving ANDPO of the Commissioner, legal/Fundamental Rights of the educated disabled were violated since, any matter relating to the organization’s grievances could not be sent to the authority for redressal. It stated that the Commissioner, being the sole authority as stipulated in PWD Act 1995, should be appointed at the earliest. It was also decided to speed up the process of job identification and strict implementation of reservation policy for disabled while the release stated that it was known that around 21 Departments have been identified so far for implementation of reservation policy.
It was further resolved that At least 3% of the state’s budget should be earmarked in one financial year for the welfare of disabled. The fund can be used by the Department to assist genuine NGOs/Voluntary Organisations in creating barrier-free infrastructures, sensitization programs, education, employment etc. The Chief Commissioner of Disabilities has issued this directive to the state’s Commissioners and the state’s Commissioner should monitor all expenditures and ensure wise utilization of funds.
The meeting resolved to request the government and concerned department to disseminate its various programs towards implementation of PWD Act 1995 decided to appeal to the Department of Social Welfare to remit monthly buffer office rent, maintenance, etc in installment basis. Also taking serious note of the various Committees/ Commissions set up to look into the interest and welfare of the disabled in the past, wherein no disabled activist or parents of disabled were included ANDPO appealed to the government to have inclusive and accommodating policy for disabled. The resolution, while expressing gratitude to all participants- both representatives of Organizations and individual, further warned those who did not turn up that if they are genuine and sincerely working for the welfare of disabled, to furnish detail programs, activities and achievements of their Organizations to ANDPO office or through print media at the earliest and cautioned failure to do so would be seriously viewed.
The meeting was chaired by Treasure-cum Convener (ANDPO), Tezenchu Semy.
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