The Mission Mode Team (Accessible India Campaign) in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is conducting a 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 28th to 30th October 2021 covering the districts of Zunheboto, Longleng, & Mon. The first phase had been held earlier covering Kohima, Dimapur, Peren and Wokha.
The team was led by Commissioner & Secretary, K. Libanthung Lotha, IAS, who highlighted the objectives of the campaign which is to sensitise officials of the State Government as well as 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 whereby persons with disabilities are 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 Apila Sangtam, Advocate, Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench. She stressed on the need for timely compliance of the provisions of the Act by the various departments and underlined the legal implications for the State Government in the event of non-compliance.
The Mission Mode Team (AIC) has been constituted by the Government of Nagaland and includes Team Leader Commissioner & Secretary, K. Libanthung Lotha, IAS, Member Secretary, Er K. John Mera, Executive Engineer Social Welfare & WRD, and members Nungsangwati, Senior Architect, Chief Architect’s Office NPWD, and Tarachu Fithu, Joint Director Urban Development. K. Wango Langsym, Asst Director and Nodal Officer (AIC) Social Welfare is associate member.
The campaign will be conducted in the remaining districts in the coming weeks.
(DIPR)
