K Libanthung Lotha, Team leader Mission Mode Team (Accessible India Campaign) speaks during the one-day sensitisation and awareness campaign programme on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016, held in Kiphire on April 19. (Morung Photo)
Sensitisation & awareness campaign on Right to person with disable Act 2016 held in Dimpurt
Morung Express News
Kiphire | April 19
Many major buildings in the Nagaland lack friendly structure for persons with disabilities (PwDs), shared K Libanthung Lotha, Secretary to Government of Nagaland & Team leader Mission Mode Team (Accessible India Campaign-AIC) noted on April 18.
This is very discouraging, he added while sharing the observations of AIC team’s inspection of major building in the State at the one-day sensitisation and awareness campaign programme on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016, held at DC Conference Hall, Kiphire.
Besides citing instances of lack of awareness on rights of PwDS, the team leader pointed out that in some buildings where ramps were incorporated in the structure, employees were not aware of their purposes.
Stressing that creating awareness is the solution, Libanththung called upon the participants to take back the learning and share with others.
Earlier, in his introduction on the subject matter, he informed that as a signatory of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, India needs to expedite the same into action.
Accordingly, the Government of India has constituted Mission Mode Team to oversee the work, he added.
Members of Civil Society Organisations and top district government officials, among others, attended the event.
Meanwhile, Apila Sangtam, Advocate, Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench, shared on Court directives and legal implications of non-compliance with the RPwD Act and appealed everyone to give importance to Act in order to build an inclusive society.
Nagaland State Commissioner for PwDs, Diethono Nakhro further elucidated on RPwD 2016 Act, its implementation and the way forward.
She further noted that 4% reservation in government jobs was needed to give PwDs equal opportunity, adding that this does not mean reservation at all times but help them develop at par with others.
Nakhro also shared on the importance of accessibility in voting, right to justice, right to home and family etc.
If these rights are denied, one can lodge complaints and cases can be registered as well, she added.
The Commissioner also emphasised on inclusive education and urged the gathering to come together and plan for children with disabilities.
Chairing the programme, Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, T Wati Aier also urged the participants to create awareness among the PwDs to get certificate so that they can avail various opportunity available for them.
He also assured to write to the district Chief Medical Office to enquire about the status of Disability Board.
