“Physical disability is not a problem but mental disability is”said Shri. Vijay Sampla, while addressing a seminar on” Empowering Persons with Disablities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality, here today which was organised by Equal Opportunity Cell in collaborartion with Department of Community Disability Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh to observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2018 .
He assured of all help by his Ministry for making Panjab University accessible for all .He said that disability is not an obstacle for success but if polished properly, can be a great support to the society .The Minister informed that the Govt of India under Accessible India (sugmyabharat), every new building must be accessible for disabled. The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, has total of 21 disabilities which were earlier only 7.
The Minister informed about various schemes of his Ministry for disabled which includes the Schools for disabled , Rehabilitation Centre, Post- Matric Scholarship for Disabled, Skill Development stipend, Skill Development Centre, Overseas Higher Education support and infrastructure support for the colleges to the tune of Rs.1.5 crore and recurring cost per year of Rs.1 crore . He urged the citizens to become aware of their rights to avail the benefits of various schemes being run for the disabled.
The Minister stressed that the government and citizen have to work together for the benefit of the society to make a strong nation.
Prof. Raj Kumar, PU VC said that disability must be seen as opportunity. He strongly believes in inclusiveness. A 125 crore project for disability improvement infrastructure. Sanction of money for future programme. All problems are resolvable. We need strong linkage. We are making a gallery for deliverables, students is the first and for most. Students are always welcome and must reach out whenever required directly to my office.
Dr. Dazy Zarabi, Chairperson, Department of Community Education and Disability, introduced the programme by discussing in detail the background and importance of World Disability Day. She said that December 3, 2018 was commemorated by United Nations General Assembly resolution in 1992. The day is meant to promote rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of development and society.
Dr. Sanjeev Gautam from Equal Opportunity Cell , in his welcome address discussed about various events which included essay competition, poster making , slogan writing, debate competition, quiz and rally on the theme of the day.he said that more than one billion people are living with a disability. The Government of India is working in accordance with UN 2030 goals for PWD. Equal Opportunity Cells aims to promote Equal Opportunity in admission, vocational employment, facilities for PWD.
Dr.H.K. Sardana from CSIR-CSIO gave a presentation about various prosthetic and assistive devices.
In the end, the Minister distributed prizes to winners of various competitions. The winners were :
Slogan writing:-
1. Lalruatkimi 2. Pardeep kumara 3. DheerajAhuja
Debate Competition:- 1. Vishal chauhan 2. Deepak gupta 3. Nidhimenon Poster making:- 1. Ashima 2. Deepak Gupta 3. Meghna
Poster making:- 1. Navroop 2. Simrankaur 3. Ritu
