Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 21: In order to discuss various issues pertaining to persons with disabilities, a meeting was convened by Director Social Welfare Department Kashmir, Gazanfar Ali with various stakeholders. The meeting was attended by State Nodal Officer for Persons with Disabilities, Aamir Ali, Deputy Director Social Welfare, Tabasum Kamili, Asstt Director Social Welfare, District Social Welfare Officers of Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara and Baramulla. Other participants included President J&K Handicapped Welfare Society Kupwara, Chairman Northern Federation of Blind Kashmir, President South Kashmir Handicapped Association, President J&K Handicapped Association, President Chotay Taray Foundation, Administrator Sultan-ul-Arifeen Artificial Limb Centre Buchwara, Administrator and Rehabilitation Officer from Composite Regional Centre Bemina, Administrator Voluntary Medicare Society, representatives from Red-R NGO. Threadbare discussions were held and the participants voiced their opinion to improve the quality of life of disabled persons. They urged for creating awareness about various schemes of the Government and benefits available. They demanded that all public buildings should be made disabled friendly and measures should be taken for having reserved seats in public transport for handicapped persons. They demanded that persons with disabilities should be given proper vocational and skill training. They stressed on establishing Special Employment Exchanges, as per provisions of the J&K Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act 1998 and demanded vertical reservation in jobs, rather than the existing 3% horizontal reservation. They sought inclusion of Braille books by J&K State Board of School Education for blind persons. Director Social Welfare informed that Secretary, Social Welfare Department has been designated as the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, with powers of District Judge under the PWD Act 1998 and any disabled persons having any genuine grievance against any person or department can approach the Commissioner or the Director Social Welfare. For this purpose Director Social Welfare gave instructions for establishing a dedicated Helpline telephone in Social Welfare Directorate, for redressal of grievances of PwDs. Gazanfar Ali assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the lives of PwDs are made comfortable and they lead a life with respect and honour. He sought cooperation of the officers and general public to ensure that eligible persons avail the benefits of various schemes of the department. He urged handicapped persons to approach the Special District Medical Boards set up by Health Department for issuance of Disability Certificates. Director Social Welfare felicitated Wajid Khalid, a young visually impaired boy from Baramulla, who is said to be the first person from Kashmir to have qualified the National Level Braille Competition in Hindi, English and Kashmiri.
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