Programme on Sensitization and Awareness campaign on Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 for state government officials was held at Town Hall Tuensang on 20 April 2022 which was organized by Mission Mode Team (Accessible India Campaign) in collaboration with the office of the State Commissioner for PwDs. The programme was attended by heads of government departments, leaders of NGOs, and Church leaders.

A speech on RPwD Act 2016 overview, Status of Implementation & Way forward was addressed by Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. She added that the RPwD Act 2016 is not just only for the government functionaries but it includes the private, religious and NGOs, and other social institutions. A negative attitude towards the PwDs is still prevalent in our society, many PwD children still find it hard to get access to education systems due to the lack of trained teachers, infrastructural accessibilities, curriculum, etc which needs to be addressed, she added. She also spoke on the establishment of the District committee, assessment committee and accessibilities for PwDs, and awareness on accessibility on health and employment grounds too.

Apila Sangtam, Advocate Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench also spoke on Court Directives/ Legal implication of Non-compliance where he mentioned the directives of the Supreme Court, rights and entitlement, education and skill development & employment. She also addressed the Writ Petition, duties and responsibilities of the appropriate institutions; and offenses and penalties as prescribed under the RPwD Act 2016.     

The introduction of the sensitization and awareness campaign was addressed by K Libanthung Lotha, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland & Team leader Mission Mode Team (AIC) while Kumar Ramnikant, DC Tuensang chaired the programme.

Photo caption: Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities addressing the gathering at Town Hall Tuensang on 20th April 2022.

(Thungti, IA Tuensang)