The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020 with the theme “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”, was observed today with a formal function held at Yojna Bhawan Auditorium in the city.
During his address the Chief Minister said that the celebration of this special day is an important event in promoting the rights of the people with disabilities.
He said that the aim of observing this day each year is to increase awareness, and understanding, of disability issues, and the gains to be derived from the integration of people with a disability in every aspect of life. He added that the observance of this day is an opportunity for all to pause and look both at what has been achieved, and what is still left to do.
‘We as citizens, as political leaders, government officials and society as a whole need to look back and review to some extent what we have done good and maybe a lot of things that we still need to do’, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Government is focused on creating the right policies that enable opportunities for full and equitable participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.
‘The 100 point roster system for 4% job reservation for PWDs ensures that every 25th post goes to a person with disability. The Government must play its role not just to clear the policies but also ensure that it is implemented in letter and spirit. Apart from the different schemes that are available for the welfare of PWDs I think these small aspects of ensuring that policies are implemented in the right way is something that the Government needs to do’, the Chief Minister said.
During his address Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla spoke at length on the various schemes and programs directly aimed for the upliftment, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities and urged PWDs to avail these through the Social Welfare and allied departments.
During the function the Chief Minister unveiled the State Disability Logo. The second edition of the Meghalaya Sign Bank App was also launched by the Chief Minister. The app is available for both ios and android users.
Two students with disabilities were also felicitated for their outstanding achievements by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour.
An awareness and promotional video on the Unique Disability ID (UDID) was also released during the programme.
In North Garo Hills, the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority and Election Department too observed the day.
Additional District Magistrate, ZJ Sangma encouraged participants to take opportunities the various schemes provided by the government to the PWDs. He also highlighted the achievements of persons with disabilities in various fields of sports, arts and entertainment.
SVEEP Campaign was also held simultaneously by the Election department where he spoke the importance of enrolling to the electoral rolls. He urged upon the gathering to use their right to franchise responsibly through conscious and informed voting and avoid voting for gratification which vitiates the election process.
In Tura, the day was observed at Gambegre Multi Facility Centre where Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills Ram Singh graced the occasion as chief guest.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted various important Rights and provisions for the Persons with Disabilities which is being provided by both the State and Central government in order to assist a disabled person to undertake work of which he is capable and avail gainful employment, besides financial assistance.
In Mawkyrwat, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), South West Khasi Hills District observed the day in Mawthawpdah village.
District Social Welfare Officer, Novarin Umdor informed about various schemes made available to person with disabilities and how to renew permanent disability certificates and disability certificates.
