GANDERBAL, DECEMBER 03: The district administration Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and She Hope Society for women entrepreneurs, observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School Dudderhama. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” emphasized the vital role individuals with disabilities play in fostering an inclusive and sustainable society.
The event was presided over by District Development Commissioner (DDC) Ganderbal, Shyambir, and attended by key officials, including the District Social Welfare Officer, Deputy Chief Education Officer, and representatives from various civil society organizations. The gathering also included persons with disabilities, their families, and volunteers, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The program featured cultural performances, skits, and the distribution of key resources aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. DDC Shyambir distributed 27 Niramaya Health Insurance cards and 12 legal guardianship certificates, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. In a notable gesture, an electric wheelchair worth Rs 3 lakh was handed over to an eligible beneficiary, further strengthening support for mobility and independence.
The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, offers health insurance coverage of up to Rs 1 lakh, renewable annually. The scheme benefits individuals with conditions such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
In his address, DDC Shyambir praised the efforts of the organizers and reaffirmed the administration’s ongoing support for initiatives aimed at the welfare of persons with disabilities. He encouraged all stakeholders to continue their work towards fostering an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities are empowered and their rights upheld.
The Executive Director of She Hope Society also delivered an informative presentation on the Niramaya scheme, highlighting its critical role in providing healthcare and financial support to persons with disabilities.
Speakers at the event reiterated the need for collective action to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are equipped with the support they need to lead fulfilling and empowered lives.