News & Announcement
Meeting of State Advisory Board on PwDs Focuses on Inclusion and Accessibility
Gangtok, June 23 (IPR):
The State Advisory Board meeting for the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was held at the conference hall of Chintan Bhawan, today.
The meeting was chaired by Minister for Social Welfare, Printing and Stationery, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum Chairman of State Advisory Board, Mr Samdup Lepcha. Also present were MLA cum Advisor, Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum Vice Chairman of State Advisory Board, Ms Pamin Lepcha, along with MLA cum Advisor Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, and members of the State Advisory Board.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Secretary of Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Normit Lepcha. She highlighted that people with disabilities are fully capable of contributing to society, but what needs to change is the way society perceives and accommodates them. She emphasised that through collective wisdom and coordinated efforts of allied departments, a clear path can be charted to strengthen the commitment toward inclusion, rights, and dignity for all persons with disabilities in the State.
The meeting was followed by a PowerPoint presentation on the Status of Implementation of Welfare Schemes for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) presented by Additional Secretary cum Nodal Officer PwD, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Tashi Choden Bhutia.
The presentation deliberated on key aspects pertaining to the status, challenges, and progress made in the implementation of various provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. It provided a comprehensive overview of the schemes, benefits, and entitlements available to PwDs, highlighting both achievements and areas that require further attention.
The presentation also included statistical insights on the issuance of disability certificates and UDID cards, the extent of financial assistance provided through central and state pension schemes, educational support in the form of scholarships and awards, and social inclusion measures such as the marriage incentive grant.
Additionally, the presentation addressed infrastructural accessibility, vocational training, the role of special schools, and the functioning of rehabilitation centres. It also pointed out critical gaps, such as the need for enhanced infrastructure in special schools, overburdened shelter homes, and the urgency of convening departmental meetings for post-identification under employment reservations.
The presentation concluded with a request to all line departments and stakeholders to work in synergy towards building a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for PwDs in the state.
After the presentation, the house was opened for discussion. The officers from the respective allied departments apprised the house of their roles, schemes, and initiatives aimed at supporting the well-being of PwDs. Several examples of activities undertaken in alignment with RPwD Act, 2016, were presented before the Chair. The discussions also centred around key policy decisions that need to be considered for effective implementation.
Furthermore, the meeting also deliberated on a series of key recommendations aimed at enhancing the welfare of PwDs across the state: Recruitment process for appointment of Special teachers currently underway under the Education Department; accessibility and sustainability of Digital and physical infrastructure as per the Accessible India Campaign; adoption of a broader approach to encompass non-visible disabilities and promoting healthy lifestyle practices to foster a more inclusive and health-conscious society; timely identification, intervention, and support for PwDs by regular medical screening and health camps; establishment of secure shelter homes with integrated provisions for skill development and training to promote independent living.
The Departments were urged to adhere to RPwD Act, 2016, with particular focus on the effective implementation of reservation provisions for PwDs in employment and education.
District-wise updates were also shared during the meeting. Notably, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi Districts submitted their inputs and suggestions. Pakyong District reported that it has already conducted screening camps and is currently organising medical camps in collaboration with various stakeholders. During the session, various issues and constructive suggestions were raised, which were positively received by the concerned departments.
Minister cum Chairman of State Advisory board, Mr Samdup Bhutia, in his address, highlighted the crucial roles played by both the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in building an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society. Emphasising the importance of accessibility in both physical and digital infrastructure under the Accessible India Campaign, he reiterated that awareness and sensitisation activities must be conducted regularly to foster empathy and understanding within communities.
He strongly advocated for inclusivity, stating that PwDs deserve equal dignity, respect, and opportunities. He urged a collective effort to eliminate discrimination and ensure PwDs' full participation in social, economic, and cultural life. Departments were encouraged to not only implement but also rigorously monitor laws and policies to promote equal rights and opportunities."
In conclusion, he emphasised the need for collective efforts from the Government and civil society to achieve the shared vision of a “Sunaulo Samriddha Ani Samartha Sikkim.” He also expressed his appreciation for the constructive discussions during the meeting, noting that the insights shared by elected representatives and department officials will serve as valuable inputs toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate Sikkim.
The meeting had the presence of Head of Departments, Chief Medical Officers, representatives from Project Director, Sikkim Viklang (Divyangjan) Sahayata Samiti, members of different NGOs, officers and officials from various departments along with officers and staff of Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department.
The meeting concluded with a word of thanks delivered by Joint Director/Disability of Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Tashi Doma Bhutia.
This meeting of the State Advisory Board on Disabilities is a statutory requirement under RPwD Act, 2016. The Board has been constituted to advise the State Government on policies, programs, and matters related to the empowerment and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The State Advisory Board meeting for the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was held at the conference hall of Chintan Bhawan, today.
The meeting was chaired by Minister for Social Welfare, Printing and Stationery, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum Chairman of State Advisory Board, Mr Samdup Lepcha. Also present were MLA cum Advisor, Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum Vice Chairman of State Advisory Board, Ms Pamin Lepcha, along with MLA cum Advisor Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, and members of the State Advisory Board.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Secretary of Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Normit Lepcha. She highlighted that people with disabilities are fully capable of contributing to society, but what needs to change is the way society perceives and accommodates them. She emphasised that through collective wisdom and coordinated efforts of allied departments, a clear path can be charted to strengthen the commitment toward inclusion, rights, and dignity for all persons with disabilities in the State.
The meeting was followed by a PowerPoint presentation on the Status of Implementation of Welfare Schemes for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) presented by Additional Secretary cum Nodal Officer PwD, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Tashi Choden Bhutia.
The presentation deliberated on key aspects pertaining to the status, challenges, and progress made in the implementation of various provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. It provided a comprehensive overview of the schemes, benefits, and entitlements available to PwDs, highlighting both achievements and areas that require further attention.
The presentation also included statistical insights on the issuance of disability certificates and UDID cards, the extent of financial assistance provided through central and state pension schemes, educational support in the form of scholarships and awards, and social inclusion measures such as the marriage incentive grant.
Additionally, the presentation addressed infrastructural accessibility, vocational training, the role of special schools, and the functioning of rehabilitation centres. It also pointed out critical gaps, such as the need for enhanced infrastructure in special schools, overburdened shelter homes, and the urgency of convening departmental meetings for post-identification under employment reservations.
The presentation concluded with a request to all line departments and stakeholders to work in synergy towards building a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for PwDs in the state.
After the presentation, the house was opened for discussion. The officers from the respective allied departments apprised the house of their roles, schemes, and initiatives aimed at supporting the well-being of PwDs. Several examples of activities undertaken in alignment with RPwD Act, 2016, were presented before the Chair. The discussions also centred around key policy decisions that need to be considered for effective implementation.
Furthermore, the meeting also deliberated on a series of key recommendations aimed at enhancing the welfare of PwDs across the state: Recruitment process for appointment of Special teachers currently underway under the Education Department; accessibility and sustainability of Digital and physical infrastructure as per the Accessible India Campaign; adoption of a broader approach to encompass non-visible disabilities and promoting healthy lifestyle practices to foster a more inclusive and health-conscious society; timely identification, intervention, and support for PwDs by regular medical screening and health camps; establishment of secure shelter homes with integrated provisions for skill development and training to promote independent living.
The Departments were urged to adhere to RPwD Act, 2016, with particular focus on the effective implementation of reservation provisions for PwDs in employment and education.
District-wise updates were also shared during the meeting. Notably, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi Districts submitted their inputs and suggestions. Pakyong District reported that it has already conducted screening camps and is currently organising medical camps in collaboration with various stakeholders. During the session, various issues and constructive suggestions were raised, which were positively received by the concerned departments.
Minister cum Chairman of State Advisory board, Mr Samdup Bhutia, in his address, highlighted the crucial roles played by both the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in building an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society. Emphasising the importance of accessibility in both physical and digital infrastructure under the Accessible India Campaign, he reiterated that awareness and sensitisation activities must be conducted regularly to foster empathy and understanding within communities.
He strongly advocated for inclusivity, stating that PwDs deserve equal dignity, respect, and opportunities. He urged a collective effort to eliminate discrimination and ensure PwDs' full participation in social, economic, and cultural life. Departments were encouraged to not only implement but also rigorously monitor laws and policies to promote equal rights and opportunities."
In conclusion, he emphasised the need for collective efforts from the Government and civil society to achieve the shared vision of a “Sunaulo Samriddha Ani Samartha Sikkim.” He also expressed his appreciation for the constructive discussions during the meeting, noting that the insights shared by elected representatives and department officials will serve as valuable inputs toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate Sikkim.
The meeting had the presence of Head of Departments, Chief Medical Officers, representatives from Project Director, Sikkim Viklang (Divyangjan) Sahayata Samiti, members of different NGOs, officers and officials from various departments along with officers and staff of Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department.
The meeting concluded with a word of thanks delivered by Joint Director/Disability of Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Tashi Doma Bhutia.
This meeting of the State Advisory Board on Disabilities is a statutory requirement under RPwD Act, 2016. The Board has been constituted to advise the State Government on policies, programs, and matters related to the empowerment and welfare of persons with disabilities.