International Day of PwDs observed by Sishu Sarothi

THE MISSING MILLIONS

GUWAHATI: The 'Shishu Sarothi' observed the 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities)' across different parts of the region. It was observed in collaboration with various Government and Non-Government organisations on Friday.

The programme started on December 2 with an "Inclusive Sports" event which was held with the Samagra Shiksha Abhijan, Assam at the premises of the Lutuma Prathamik Vidyalaya. On December 3, the prize distribution ceremony of the sports programme along with other cultural programmes was held at the premises of Shishu Sarothi. A sensitization and awareness programme was organised in association with 'Radio Mirchi, Guwahati'. On the occasion, the alumni of Shishu Sarothi and students from Samagra Shiksha Abhijan spoke about the theme and various issues faced by the persons with disabilities (PwDs) in their daily lives.

Altogether 10 students with disabilities from the 'Indus Towers Scholarship Program' were awarded scholarships at a ceremony organized at Gangtok by the 'Women and Child Development Department', Government of Sikkim.

The Shishu Sarothi also partnered with the NCPEDP (National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People) to launch the 'Missing Million Campaign' in Assam, to amplify the voices of millions of persons with disabilities, missing from the mainstream, to seek their active participation in all walks of life.

This campaign was launched in Delhi by Justice Sripathi Ravindra Bhatt, Judge of the Supreme Court of India with a video. He emphasised, "What is not counted doesn't count!' and also highlighted how not having accurate data on disability has excluded people with disabilities from the mainstream.

The launch included a panel discussion and release of the book, "Invisible Majority" by V.R. Ferose, Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi.

The Shishu Sarothi endorses the 10-point Charter presented after the panel discussion

which includes implementation of the RPwD Act-2016; Dis-aggregated data on Disability; Disability representation in all Ministries, Departments and Committees; accessible and affordable healthcare services for all persons with disabilities; tax incentives and improved returns on investment options; quality-inclusive education for students with disabilities; digital inclusion; cities and towns must be made accessible; accessible transport and tourism; political participation of PwDs across all levels of governance; Disability Inclusive 'Disaster Risk Reduction'.

The situation of PwDs in Assam is no different from rest of the country. It is almost 5 years now that the 'Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2016' has been in force but there are thousands without disability certificate, online process for UDID is still not accessible, many face hurdles in even getting their Aadhar Cards, stated a press release.

Access to quality education, to livelihood opportunities, to equality and non-discrimination on the ground of disability, is still not a reality for people with disabilities.

With the pandemic, their situation has been more acutely marginalised, setting them far back. Beneficial schemes of the government are a welcome measure to provide some support to people with disabilities.

It is observed that as long as our infrastructure, facilities, services and development initiatives and programs are not consciously tailored to include people with disabilities, they will continue to be the missing population, who are denied access to their basic human rights.

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