'We should be aware of their rights' Says Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma

A REPORTER

People with special abilities

SHILLONG: The 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities-2020' with the theme 'Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World', was observed at the YojnaBhawan Auditorium here on Thursday.

While Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Minister in-charge of Social Welfare, KyrmenShylla was the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the celebration of this special day is an important event in promoting the rights of the people with disabilities.

He pointed out that the aim in observing this day each year is to increase awareness, and understanding, of disability issues, and the gains to be derived from the integration of people with a disability in every aspect of life. He added that the observance of this day is an opportunity for all to pause and look both at what has been achieved, and what is still left to do. "We as citizens, as political leaders, government officials and the society as a whole need to look back and review to some extent what we have done good and maybe a lot of things that we still need to do," he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the government is focused on creating the right policies that enable opportunities for full and equitable participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.

'The 100 point roster system for 4% job reservation for PWDs ensures that every 25th post goes to a person with disability. The Government must play its role not just to clear the policies but also ensure that it is implemented in letter and spirit. Apart from the different schemes that are available for the welfare of PWDs I think these small aspects of ensuring that policies are implemented in the right way is something that the Government needs to do', said the Chief Minister.

During his address, Social Welfare Minister KyrmenShylla spoke at length on the various schemes and programs directly aimed for the uplift, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities and urged PWDs to avail these through Department of Social Welfare and allied departments.

The Chief Minister also unveiled the 'State Disability Logo', and also launched the second edition of the Meghalaya Sign Bank App. The app is available for both ios and android users.

Two students with disabilities were also felicitated for their outstanding achievements by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour. An awareness and promotional video on the Unique Disability ID (UDID) was also released during the programme.

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