Advisor Wangpang Konyak along with the beneficiaries and others on December 3. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland reaffirms commitment to disability inclusion and empowerment
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 3
“Disability rights are human rights,” said Wangpang Konyak, MLA and Advisor, Social Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland. “Inclusion not charity but justice,” he said emphasising that leadership by persons with disabilities is essential for a sustainable and inclusive Nagaland.
The speaker was addressing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 observed with the theme, “Fostering Disability Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress” at the Heritage Bamboo Hall, Kisama Kohima on December 3.
The programme was organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare.
In his address, Konyak highlighted this year’s global focus, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
He noted that many persons with disabilities in Nagaland are already demonstrating strong leadership, running self-help groups, serving in village councils, teaching, preserving cultural values, and inspiring their communities. However, he acknowledged the barriers that still exist, including inaccessible infrastructure and limiting social attitudes.
Konyak outlined the State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable Nagaland. The initiatives involve retrofitting existing government buildings, transport hubs and public spaces, including making the Kisama Heritage Village fully accessible. For all new projects, mandatory adherence to universal design standards will be enforced. These standards will include provisions for ramps, elevators, tactile paving, accessible washrooms and audio-visual signals.
In the education sector, the plan is to make all government schools barrier-free. This will be coupled with training teachers in inclusive education and providing assistive devices and digital learning materials. On the employment front, commit to strict enforcement of job reservations and promoting empowerment beyond charity.
The Rs 1 crore Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund for PwDs, announced in 2023 to support entrepreneurship and livelihood initiatives, will continue. The first set of cheques under this scheme was disbursed during the event.
The fund is maintained in a fixed deposit, with the interest used to support eligible beneficiaries on a rotational basis across the districts of the state.
During the event, financial assistance of Rs 200,000 each under the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund for Persons with Disabilities was awarded to beneficiaries from three districts.
Francise (39) from Kiphire, who has a hearing and speech impairment and is skilled in furniture making, was among those chosen. From Noklak, Tsuweng (25), who lives with a locomotor disability following an accident and is skilled in crochet, was selected. Three sisters from Wokha, Loyiv (39), Premy (36), and Liyani (33), all with locomotor disabilities, were also identified. The youngest, Liyani, also has a hearing impairment.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Limawabang Jamir, IAS, Secretary of Social Welfare Department and Ex-Officio State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, said true progress can only be achieved when all individuals enjoy equal rights, access, and opportunities. Jamir lauded artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities, stating their creativity “knows no boundaries.” He also urged society to dismantle physical and attitudinal barriers to build accessible and empowering communities.
Ruvuorienuo Juliana Medom, Supervisor, SCPD chaired the event with invocation by Kezhosato Savi, Pastor, Jakhama Baptist Church, poem recitation by Keyirenialule, an instrumental performance by Keutoulhoutuo Zuyie, and closing remarks by Toshili Zhimomi, Director, Social Welfare Department.
A video documentary titled “Refining Abilities - Testimonies of Resilience” featuring Model Persons with Disabilities was released on the Dreamz Unlimited YouTube channel.
