Rights of Person with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 and the collective responsibility of the society including government, church and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) towards Person with Disabilities (PwDs) were highlighted during an awareness programme on Person with Disabilities (PwDs) on July 28 at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung office.
According to a DIPR report, the awareness programme was organised by the Mokokchung district administration and Mokokchung District Disabled Forum (MDDF) supported by the State Commissioner’s Office for Person with Disabilities (SCOPwD) Nagaland.
Emphasising on RPWD Act, 2016, state commissioner for person with disabilities, Diethono Nakhro lamented that despite everybody knowing what disability was, many were not aware about what needed to be done for the PwDs.
Pointing out that even today most the disability laws have not been implemented, she said that people have to acknowledge the “huge neglect” in the disability sector.
Stating that successive governments have failed to address the disability issues as it should, Nakhro said it was not only the responsibility of the government but that the entire society has a responsibility towards the disabled community.
Church being the central of people’s life, Nakhro said it has a huge role to play to in helping the people with disability to participate in life of the society. She also pointed out that tribal bodies/civil societies could play a crucial role to include the disabled in every walk of life.
Short speeches were delivered by DC Mokokchung, representative from the Ao Senden and District Welfare Officer, Mokokchung and a special song was presented by Akangmongba.
During the second session, project associate, Caritas India, Arenlila Jamir presented the status of person with disabilities, formation and function of DPOs which was followed by interaction session. The programme was chaired by Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Mokokchung, Vitolu, invocation was said by Chang Baptist Church, Mokokchung, Pastor Ngaku Chollen and vote of thanks by MDDF president.