District Social Welfare Department, Leh observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Leh, December 3: District Social Welfare Department, Leh today, observed ‘The International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ at DC Conference Hall. The theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2021 is ‘Leadership & participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible & sustainable post-COVID-19 world.’
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare, Padma Angmo said that she was happy to announce that on the occasion of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the UT Administration is ready with the Draft ‘Right of persons with Disabilities Rules’ which will be put in public domain for inviting feedback and suggestions from the stakeholders before it is finalised. She also said that the Administration of UT Ladakh is committed to provide accessible Build-Up environment for persons with disabilities as mandated by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and steps are being taken in this direction.
Shri Shrikant Suse, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, while responding to queries said that consultation will be held with the stakeholders for audit of public spaces in a phased manner so that public spaces and public buildings are made accessible for persons with disabilities as per the notified guidelines of the Government of India.
The Secretary and Deputy Commissioner, Leh distributed Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) to beneficiaries on the occasion. Secretary, Padma Angmo said that the Unique Disability Identity Card will be the single document of identification of the persons with disabilities and help them for availing various government benefits and schemes.
The Deputy Commissioner said that all persons with disabilities in the district shall be identified so that they are covered under the pension scheme and given UDID cards. He asked the District Social Welfare Officer to identify all such people and provide the details to the Health Department so that Disability Certificate and UDID can be given to them in a time bound manner. CMO, Leh, Dr Motup Dorje said that once the beneficiaries are identified by the Social Welfare Department, camps shall be held at block level for ensuring 100% coverage of the targeted beneficiaries of Leh so that they can be covered under the scheme and be granted UDID.
Secretary, Padma Angmo said that the Health Department of Kargil should also organise camps to cover all eligible people so that they are given UDID within this financial year.
The event was organised in keeping with all covid protocols and was attended by District Social Welfare Officer, Tashi Chosdol and representatives of Rewa and Pagir NGOs besides representatives from media.