DIMAPUR, APRIL 26 (MExN): While appreciating the quick clarification from the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) on Tuesday reiterated its demand that the new State Commissioner for Persons with Disability (SCPD) should be appointed in accordance to the criteria under the rules of appointment as laid down in the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act 1995.
According to the PwD rules of appointment, a person is not qualified for appointment as a Commissioner unless he or she has special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters relating to rehabilitation.
The Forum in a press statement issued by president Kezhaleto Zecho and advisor Diethono Nakhro pointed out that there are 29,631 persons with disabilities in Nagaland (2011 Census), many of whom live in abject poverty, lack access to health care, education, suffer physical or sexual violence and remain invisible and neglected. From attaining education to securing a job to being able to just move around and have a regular life, these are all huge challenges for an average person with disability, it stated.
In this context, the Forum said it is imperative that the SCPD must be a qualified and experienced person with disability or someone with proper and special knowledge and experience in disability matters.
It went on to elaborate that the just appointment of SCPD will ensure government’s commitment to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
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