Taking forward the 2018 NVD theme ‘Accessible Elections’, CEO Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha held a consultative meeting on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disability in electoral process’, at Hotel Japfu, Kohima, on April 25, to devise a comprehensive strategy for PwDs.
A DIPR report stated that the CEO, who chaired the meeting, highlighted PwD accessibility in the recently conducted elections. He said efforts were made for providing easy access for PwDs by providing wheel chairs, temporary ramps etc. in select locations and in spite of the herculean challenge they faced, progress were seen, he stated.
The CEO also appreciated and acknowledged the DC & DEO Wokha for initiating the first of its kind ‘Polling station comprising 100% entirely of PwDs’ with other innovative steps. However, he expressed regret over the outdated survey data of the number of PwDs enrolled till date. He urged the departments, NGOs, stakeholders involved with PwDs to start revisiting and holding intensive meetings and come up with innovative inputs and concrete points and propose their suggestions to the government.
Addl. CEO, N. Moa Aier also spoke at the meeting where he elaborated on SVEEP and electoral participation. He said 7 cases were categorized at the initial stage for PwDs but it has been reconsidered and increased to 21 categories. He also urged the PwDs to take active part in the electioneering process.
Deputy mission director, SSA, L. Khukiye Sema highlighted some of the consolidated statement of schools with and without barrier free access under SSA. He said 2066 schools, including higher secondary schools, were availing ramps, water, toilet, electricity, etc facilities till date.
State disability commissioner, Dr. Atha Vizol gave his views on the facilities provision, aid and appliances, fund constraints, scholarships and monthly pensions for PwDs. Buildings by-laws for PwDs was yet to be completed in many public sectors, he stated.
DC & DEO, Wokha Manazir Jeelani Samoon shared his experience and presented a slide show on the last election including introducing the 100% PwDs Polling station. With the motto ‘No voters to be left behind’, inclusion of person with disabilities was an important focus area, he further stated
Christina from Deaf Ministry emphasized on the importance of sign language and explained the hardships face by them in communication which becomes a major barrier to socializing.
State Icon for PwDs, Diethono Nakhro, in her suggestion for better inclusion of persons with disabilities in the electoral process, stated that the CEO/DEO websites must strictly comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 – Level AA by the W3C. She suggested a series of detailed improvements that could be made to increase PwD accessibility. Penalisation of officials who do not follow accessibility guidelines should be considered, she said.