On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated individuals and institutions who have triumphed over life’s challenges, excelling in various sectors and making remarkable contributions to empower Divyangjan.
The event, organised by Kalpana Kala Kendra in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jigar Jammu, and Anam Sneh Parivar Prayagraj, took place at Abhinav Theatre.
In his address, Lt Governor Sinha extended congratulations and commendation to the award recipients for their determination and hard work in pursuing excellence in their respective fields. He shared insights into the efforts of the UT Administration to socio-economically empower persons with disabilities, creating an enabling environment for them to lead dignified lives.
“The government is committed to ending all discrimination and creating an inclusive, just, and equitable society where our Divyangjan enjoy equal opportunities and can realize their potential and dreams,” stated Lt Governor Sinha. He highlighted various initiatives for the inclusion of Divyangjans, including the J&K Rights to Persons with Disabilities Rules and the appointment of a Disability Commissioner for focused attention. The Lt Governor emphasised the commitment to Intellectual Disabilities and mentioned the efforts towards 100% visual disability as a benchmark for MTS posts, an increase in benchmark disabilities for various government sector positions, and a 200% rise in the distribution of retrofitted scooties to achieve saturation.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are underway to create accessible infrastructure for Divyangjan in government buildings and major public places, he added.
Lt Governor Sinha urged all sections of society to join the J&K Administration’s endeavor to ensure the complete integration of Divyangjan into the mainstream and their effective participation in socio-economic activities with dignity. He also assured support and assistance from the administration to Persons with Disabilities in their entrepreneurial and business ventures.
During the event, Lt Governor Sinha released a book titled “Swarn Dhara.”
The event was attended by Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary JKAACL; Rahul Sahai, Chairman PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ritu Singh, founding Chairperson FICCI FLO J&K; Dr. Anita Sharma, Vice President, Kalpana Kala Kendra; Prof Avinash Chandra Mishra from Delhi University; Indu Sannoo, CEO Samsidh Group of Schools Bangalore, along with senior officers and representatives from various states and UTs.
