Mission Mode Team (Accessible India Campaign) in collaboration with the office of the state commissioner for persons with disabilities has been conducting sensitisation & awareness campaign on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 for state government officials.
The second phase of the campaign was held from October 28-30, covering the districts of Zunheboto, Longleng and Mon. The first phase was conducted in Kohima, Dimapur, Peren and Wokha.
The team was led by commissioner & secretary to the government of Nagaland K. Libanthung Lotha who highlighted the objectives of the campaign which was to sensitise officials of the state government and local bodies and authorities on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and to raise awareness on the need to create barrier-free environments, including in workplaces, for inclusion and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Diethono Nakhro elaborated on the various provisions of the RPwD Act 2016 and underlined the unacceptable existing situation in the state where persons with disabilities were literally “uncounted” and left behind in all areas of life.
She explained the roles and responsibilities of the district administrations and various departments towards implementation of the RPwD Act.
The court directives with regard to implementation of the RPwD Act 2016 was highlighted by advocate, Guwahati high court, Kohima Bench Apila Sangtam.
She stressed on the need for timely compliance of the provisions of the Act by various departments and underlined the legal implications for the state government in the event of non-compliance.
The Mission Mode Team (AIC) was constituted by the state government and includes team leader K. Libanthung Lotha, member secretary K. John Mera, executive engineer social welfare & WRD and members Nungsangwati, senior architect, chief architect’s office NPWD, and joint director urban development Tarachu Fithu with assistant director and nodal officer (AIC) social welfare K. Wango Langsym as the associate member.
The campaign would be conducted in the remaining districts in the coming weeks.