LG pledges equal opportunities, greater accessibility for PwDs

Jammu, Mar 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday promised to build a more accessible and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir.

Attending the Purple Fest 2025, at Raj Bhawan, he assured the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) of his commitment to build a more accessible and inclusive J&K.

Speaking at the event that was aimed at fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for PwDs, LG Sinha in his address lauded the resilience and talents of PwDs.

“We have worked with dedication for the empowerment of Divyangjan (PwDs) and major initiatives have been taken in the last few years to ensure the dignity, rights, and well-being of Divyangjan. I am fully committed to their integration in every aspect of social, economic and cultural life,” he said.

The LG highlighted the key initiatives taken by the government to create a supportive environment for the PwDs, fostering their innate potential and enabling them to lead a dignified life.

“We must ensure equal opportunity for Divyangjan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi through reforms made sure that every public or private establishment should follow the equal opportunity policy and systematically address the challenges faced by Divyangjan,” he said.

LG Sinha said that PwDs have immense potential to achieve extraordinary success in life.

“They are gifted and dedicated to bringing positive change in the society. They are not seeking welfare but their rights provided by the constitution,” he said. “I have always focussed on policies and decisions which prepare them in a manner that they integrated into the mainstream.”

The LG sought the support of all the stakeholders and civil society organisations to complete the education of PwDs in an inclusive environment.

“Education is crucial for Divyangjan because it is the powerful medium which will provide them opportunities for employment and advancement,” he said. “Today skilling is equally important for Divyangjan for their empowerment and to achieve their goals.”

LG Sinha said that a multi-faceted approach to skilling and a multiple collaborative effort to make them self-reliant would help the PwDs realise their full individual potential.

He also made a special mention of Para-Archers, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar.

The LG said that their incredible journeys, sheer determination, and unshakable willpower had become an inspiration for all.

He impressed upon the officials of the Social Welfare Department and other stakeholders to make dedicated efforts for the identification of beneficiaries and ensure 100 percent saturation of Unique ID Cards for Divyangjan.

“The J&K government has already requested the Government of India for organising two mega camps for Divyangjans - one each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions,” LG Sinha said.

The event featured cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations by the children from Composite Regional Centre Jammu, the Directorate of Social Welfare, and various organisations.

They also presented the LG with the Mata ki Chunni of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and handmade flower pots and bouquets.

On the occasion, LG Sinha felicitated officials and members of various organisations including Composite Regional Centre Jammu, Jigar Foundation, Muskan Charitable Trust, Muskan Foundation Vijaypur, Swami Vivekanand Educational Trust, Directorate of Social Welfare, Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra Jammu, Voluntary Medicare Society Srinagar, and Residential School for the Blinds, Roopnagar Jammu.

A pledge to safeguard the rights and interests of the PwDs was also administered on the occasion.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sanjeev Verma; Director, Social Welfare, Jammu, Rupesh Kumar; Commissioner for PwDs, Iqbal Lone were also present on the occasion.