Sensitization workshop held

SHILLONG, MAY 3: A day long State Level Sensitization Workshop on the New Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 was held here today at Yojana Bhawan Auditorium, Meghalaya Secretariat, Shillong which was attended by Minister, Social Welfare, Kyrmen Shylla as the Chief Guest while Additional Chief Secretary, Social Welfare, H Marwein, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking to the gathering during the Inaugural Session, Minister, Social Welfare, Kyrmen Shylla said that with the enforcement of the Act in April 2017, it is the duty of the State to ensure that the various provisions of the Act are implemented in letter and spirit. He also added that the new legislation has provisions which are more elaborate for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities.

The Minister said that in Meghalaya several schemes are implemented for persons with disabilities through the Social Welfare and other allied departments. He also informed that the District Session Court has been notified to be a special court in every district for trial of offences Under Section 84 so that the aggrieved persons with disabilities can find redressal closer to their doorstep.

The Chief Guest hoped that after the workshop all stakeholders, government officials and NGOs will have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities as per the new legislation. He added that all must strive towards an inclusive society which gives equal opportunity to all and persons with disabilities can utilize the facilities available in the community and live a life of dignity.

Earlier, Prasanna Kumar Pincha, Special Rapporteur, Disabilities, National Human Rights Commission & Former Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, etc, said that RPwD 2016 is a path breaking piece of legislation that seeks to recognize PWDs as valuable human resource. He also stated that the new legislation emphasizes on the Civil and Political rights of PWDs. “Persons with disabilities are inherently capable of living a life of honour and dignity contributing to the growth of the society”, he stressed. He also sought the cooperation of the civil societies and different departments of the State for the successful implementation of the Act.

It may be mentioned here that Mr Pincha himself is a person with disability as he is born blind but in spite of his disability he has held several constitutional positions in the State and Central government of India. He continues to champion the cause of disability.

Among others who spoke at the Inaugural Function were Guest of Honour, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Welfare, etc, H Marwein and Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Meghalaya, C Kharkongor.

The Technical Session deliberated on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act with reference to Implementation by the State government by Prasanna Kumar Pincha and Implementation of UDID Project by S K Seal, Advisor cum Planning Officer, State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs, Civil Hospital, Shillong.

By Our Reporter