PwDs lament that Nagaland state government remains apathetic and tragically, also ignorant of the laws and the issue in general
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 25
Even though 2011 census puts Persons with Disability (PwDs) in Nagaland at 29,631, a conservative estimation, this large section continues to live on the fringes completely deprived of their rights and dignity and facing exclusion and discrimination from society as a whole, Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) Advisor Diethono Nakhro told a press conference here today at Kohima Press Club.
Despite the existence of various laws as well as guidelines and court orders that have been notified from time to time to ensure equal rights and full participation of Persons with Disabilities, she stated that, without reservation, the Nagaland government has consistently failed this section of its citizens over the years.
“There is gross violation of the rights of persons with disability in all areas of life, Nakhro accused. “Yet our state government remains apathetic and tragically, also ignorant of the laws and the issue in general. Today we are saying that this is no longer acceptable.” “We are speaking up … because it is our right to have equal opportunities and choices as everyone else,” she further clarified.
On inclusive education, the NSDF Advisor argued that majority of children with disabilities and special needs do not receive any formal education despite an inclusive education programme in existence.
“Inclusive education must be strictly implemented in our education system at all levels. We want answers on the misappropriation of Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) funds under the school education department,” she said.
The NSDF also demanded the implementation of 3% reservation in toto for PwDs in government jobs as per the PwD Act 1995 and Supreme Court order 2013 and expressed its desire for setting up of the office of the State Commissioner for PwDs and appointment of a qualified person with proper and special knowledge and experience in disability matters.
Demanding a review disability pension, the NDSF pointed out that only 1,833 PwDs out of the 29, 631 are availing disability pension as per social welfare department information.
The pension amount of Rs. 200 currently being given is the lowest in the entire country. However, even this unacceptable amount is not being disbursed to the few beneficiaries in time, it alleged.
In regard with tourism, NSDF told the press conference that the forum has already met Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism C. Apok Jamir recently regarding accessibility for PwDs at Hornbill Festival events and demanded taking up and implementing the same immediately. It also called be putting in place in a “Tourism for all” policy in the tourism department.
Nakhro further pointed out that while a single rehabilitation centre for PwDs - Dimapur District Rehabilitation Centre - was set up in Dimapur few years ago, this has become defunct since the last two years or so due to lack of funds.
Revival of the Dimapur Centre and setting up of Rehabilitation Centres and other services in all districts is an urgent need, she added.
The NSDF expressed the need for vocational and resource centre of PwDs in the state and districts; training institute for teachers/caregivers/NGOs workers, other health workers/parents of CWSN etc; residential rehabilitation facility for severely disabled who lack family support or whose families cannot afford adequate care and for those in need of long term intensive care and therapy; and rehabilitation centre for persons with severe mental health and developmental disabilities.
Due to lack of such facilities in the state, persons with such disabilities are abandoned, neglected, discriminated and even brought to police station by family or community members to be locked up when they are unable to manage them, NDSF maintained.
Among other demands, the NSDF further called for review and streamlining of Disability Certificate issuance process by the health department; accessibility in the built environment (offices and other public buildings), all public areas and in all public events; and supply of reasonably priced disability aids and appliances at regular intervals for those in need.
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