Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday informed that as many as 22 important Government buildings in the state are made disabled friendly, even as there are 61 more such proposals that are lying with the state Government.
Speaking to Media persons, Lyngdoh informed that the Government aims to clear these 61 proposals before the end of this fiscal year.
“22 Government buildings have already been covered. As I mentioned we have currently 61 such proposals and we are working vigorously on those proposals. We should be before the end of this fiscal year able to clear all these remaining proposals,” Lyngdoh.
Further, the Minister informed that he has called for a review meeting with District Administrations of all the 12 Districts. The meeting will also be attended by the officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Education, which will review various proposals received by the department with regard to making Government buildings and institutions disabled friendly.
“We will be meeting in the second week of January, I have called for a review of the various proposals with the various district heads including the department of social welfare, education and District administration,” the Minister said.
He further added that recently the areas covered under physically challenged has been revised and now 21 such areas have been mentioned in the new list.
Lyngdoh acknowledged that the coverage is not satisfactory and will work in tandem with all line departments to ensure that Government buildings and institutions comply with that facilitates access with person with disabilities .
“We are determined to accelerate the pace with which we are working,” he added.
Lyngdoh further informed that major tourist sites will have facilities incorporated for persons with disabilities in Meghalaya.
Calling for the need to create a society which gives equal opportunity to empower people with disabilities, Lyngdoh said that the government is vigorously working on proposals to enhance accessibility in public and private establishments.
The Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with the State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs today observed the International Day for Person with Disabilities at the State Central Library premises. The ‘EMPOWERFEST-2023’ was inaugurated by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh in the presence of Pravin Bakshi, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare.
During the function, the Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh also launched the megAbility App for PWDs. The Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities felicitated Director of Sanker Rehabilitation Centre, Dr. Sandi Syiem with the Champion of Mental Health Advocacy Award and Carmo Naronha from Bethany Society with the Leader of Equality Award.
The other awardees include Meghalaya Blind Women’s Football team with the Inclusive Sportsmanship Award, Rupari Nongrum with Inspirational Artist Award, St. Edmunds College with Trailblaizer in Accessibility Award, Sengrang G Momin with Inclusive Media Representation Award and Ibadalin with the Literacy Award.