Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 5
A consultation and awareness workshop on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and career counseling for PWDs, organized by Shishu Sarothi, under Bharti Infratel Scholarship programme, in association with Prodigals’ Home was held at Prodigals’ Home office on July 5.
Highlighting on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, Mamta Ghosh and Niharika Das of Shishu Sarothi said the Act includes special provisions for persons with benchmark disabilities – free education between the age of six to 18 years, all government institutions of higher education shall reserve not less than 5% seats for persons with benchmark disabilities, upper age relaxation of five years for admission in institution of higher studies, 4% reservation in job.
The Act also dwells on duties and responsibilities of governments - awareness campaigns, laying down rules for standards of accessibility for physical environment, ensuring access to transport, information& communication technology, consumer goods and, service providers (government and non-governmental) to comply with accessibility norms, Mamta and Niharika informed.
As per the Act, duo said the rights and entitlements of PWDs include equality and non-discrimination on ground of disability, personal liberty, rights for women and children with disabilities equal with others, right to live in community with access to residential/community support services, protection and safety in situation of risk, armed conflict, humanitarian ground and natural disaster.
Shishu Sarothi Centre a right-based, non-government, not-for-profit CSO that offers a range of services for children with physical and developmental disabilities. Based in North-East, it was established in 1987 with the main focus of empowering these children and help them live their life fully. The NGO has a vision of an inclusive world that provides equal opportunity, respect and dignity to children and persons with disabilities. Services provided by Shishu Sarothi for children with disability include education, livelihood, advocacy and health.
Co-ordinator, Bharti Infratel Scholarship programme, Seema Jangid, gave a video presentation of the Bharti Infratel Scholarship Program, which is being implemented across the north-eastern region in association with Shishu Sarothi. Seema said the Scholarship Program aims to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities, in the mainstream by providing financial support in completing their education. She informed that till date, 196 students have been sponsored under the programme.
EAC Dimapur and nodal officer, grievance cell for PWD, Tsidi, who also addressed the career counseling programme said before choosing a career or profession, a person should know one’s own interest, talent and strength and then focus and aim on a particular goal or target come what may. He said a positive outlook, self-respect and self-motivation are important ingredients of success. He further exhorted the PWDs not to be discouraged by failures as they are ultimately the stepping stones to success.
Earlier, assistant director, Prodigals’ Home, Maong Aier, delivered the welcome address.
In the career awareness session, officials and representatives from Nagaland Tool room & Training Centre, Youth for Jobs and Nagaland State Disability Forum highlighted on training and employment opportunities for PWDs in various government and private sectors.
The career counseling programme concluded with an interactive session between participants and resource persons.
