Shillong, Dec 6: Badhte Kadam V cum World Disability Day, organized by District Administration, West Garo Hills in collaboration with MEPAD (SNAC) under National Trust and NGOs of Tura, was observed on December 3,2013 at Montfort Centre of Education, Tura which was graced by Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Zenith M Sangma as the Chief Guest and Parliamentary Secretary, Noverfield Marak as the Guest of Honor.
It may be mentioned that Badhte Kadam is held throughout the country annually forgenerating awareness by sensitizing community about the rights of persons with disability as enshrined in our constitution and as elaborated in the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Issues of Violence and Sexual Harassment of people with Disability’. Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Zenith M Sangma said that it has always been the effort of the government to bring the disabled within the ambit of all activities.
He added that government has initiated a number of schemes and assistance for the disabled but there is lack of awaredess of such schemes among the disabled. He therefore urged upon the government agencies to ensure more support and care to such people and to ensure that 3 per cent reservation for the disabled is enforced and implemented without fail.
The disabled beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme werealso handed over cheques by the Chief Guest. Earlier the Badhte Kadam V march wasflagged off from New Tura Playground and culminated at Monfort. The march led by Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura, Pravin Bakshi saw the active participation-of government officials, NGOs and the disabled along with their parents and guardians.(SP News)
