Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 3: International Day of Persons with Disability (PwDs) was observed today across Jammu and Kashmir under the theme ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’.
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu under the guidance of its Chairman, Y P Bourney, (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Jammu and overall supervision of Secretary DLSA Jammu, Smriti Sharma organized an awareness program on Reduce Plastic Waste at Muskan Home for Mentally Challenged Children, Channi Rama Jammu. The aim of the awareness programme was to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Resource person of the program was Advocate Kavita Raina, Panel Lawyer of DLSA Jammu. She enlightened the gathering on rights and well-beings of PwDs. Similar awareness programme were also organized by TLSC R S Pura, disabled persons’ home at Janipur (Tali Morh, Jammu) by TLSC Bishnah and Indoor Stadium Akhnoor by TLSC Akhnoor.
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Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Jammu, in partnership with FICCI FLO Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh (JKL), marked the International Day for PWDs with an uplifting and inclusive event at the GMC Jammu auditorium. The event was graced by the chief guest, Devansh Yadav (Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation). Dr Rohnika Sharma (Director CRC Jammu) inaugurated the event with a welcome address. Ruchika Gupta (Chairperson FICCI FLO JKL) delivered an inspiring message, urging society to embrace a future where individuals are valued for their strength, courage, determination, and unity rather than their physical or mental abilities. The event featured a captivating cultural program where children with special needs (CWSN) showcased their incredible talents. On the occasion, CRC Jammu distributed assistive aids and appliances to PWDs under the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Kendra (PMDK) scheme. The program was hosted by Dr Aksa Rao (Associate Professor, English Department, GCW Parade) while Naveen Gupta (Administrative Officer, CRC Jammu) concluded the event with vote of thanks. From FICCI FLO JKL, Varuna Anand (immediate past chairperson) and Varsha Bansal (vice chairperson) were also present.
J&K Handicapped Association (JKHA) observed World Disability Day as a “black day,” and urged the J&K Government to improve the condition of the disabled community in the region. Dozens of JKHA members gathered near the Press Enclave here, holding banners and raising slogans. They called for immediate Government action to enhance the welfare of disabled individuals in J&K. The protesters made several demands, including the launch of a special recruitment drive for qualified disabled persons and an increase in the monthly pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.
A similar protest was held near Exhibition Ground, Jammu by J&K Handicapped Welfare Association (JKHWA). Besides highlighting other demands, the protesting disabled persons called for low-interest loans with subsidies, vertical reservation in jobs, and 4 per cent reservation in MGNREGA works, as well as 4 per cent reservation in legislative assembly, municipalities and panchayats. The protesters appealed the Government to implement the welfare measures for them in line with the provisions of the Disability Act, 2016, and existing Government orders before dispersing peacefully.
International Day of PwDs was observed in Akhnoor with a series of programs aimed at supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities. The event was organized by the All J&K Disable Welfare Trust under the leadership of chairman Sushil Sharma and president Sham Lal. MLA North and former minister Sham Lal Sharma graced the occasion as chief guest while Mohan Lal (MLA Marh) was the guest of honor. As part of the event, SDH Akhnoor, under the supervision of BMO Akhnoor Mohd Saleem, organized a free AYUSH medical camp. Additionally, Dharam Jagran led by Dev Raj Sharma, distributed winter clothes to 200 individuals with disabilities. On the occasion, a memorandum to the chief guest and guest of honor was presented, highlighting several key demands, including enhancement of the monthly pension for PwDs, reservation in promotions, opening of social welfare offices in newly established tehsils, etc.
The Day was also observed by NHPC by organizing a programme in which R K Chaudhary, CMD, NHPC was the chief guest while Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel) and Santosh Kumar (CVO) were also present along with other senior officers and NHPC Divyang employees. Speaking on the occasion, CMD NHPC acknowledged the courage and dedication of NHPC Divyang employees. Uttam Lal said that NHPC is committed towards maintaining an ideal work place for its Divyang employees and ensure a working culture that is not only sustainable but also inclusive for all. On the occasion, a special film was screened showcasing the inspiring achievements of NHPC’s Divyang employees.
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