Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 3: On the occasion of the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Kalpana Kala Kendra, an institute of music and dance established in 1977, has submitted a proposal to the President of India seeking urgent reforms for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Announced during a press conference, the Proposal outlines 13 key measures aimed at enhancing accessibility, financial security, and social inclusion. The institute emphasized the need to promote white canes for visually impaired individuals to improve their safety in public spaces and proposed simplified e-registration for Unique Disability Identity cards, making them mandatory for accessing facilities like e-ticket bookings for travel. They also called for stricter compliance with accessibility norms in Government buildings and public places, including ramps and wheelchair-friendly washrooms.
Highlighting financial concerns, the Proposal recommended revising pension policies for Government employees with disabilities, suggesting a 70% pension at age 60 and a significant increase in medical allowances to address rising healthcare costs. The Institute stressed the importance of inclusive education by advocating the introduction of Braille, sign language, and occupational therapy in schools while suggesting daily educational programs for visually impaired students on All India Radio.
To enhance digital accessibility, the Proposal urged the Government to ensure all websites and services, including Talking ATMs, are accessible to persons with disabilities. Mandatory sign language training for professionals such as police officers, teachers, and doctors was also proposed to improve communication with deaf and mute individuals.
The Institute further called for increased representation of PwDs in governance, greater investment in para-sports, and the establishment of a Disability Commission to replace the current system of a Disability Commissioner. Additionally, they recommended the installation of tactile tiles on public pathways to facilitate safer mobility for visually impaired persons.
Kalpana Kala Kendra urged the Government to adopt these reforms promptly, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and equitable society for the differently abled.
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