RAJOURI: The District Administration Rajouri, in collaboration with the Social Welfare, Health and District Legal Service Authority today organized a grand program to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and promote their rights and inclusion in society.

The event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal. The theme for this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities is "United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) for, with, and by Persons with Disabilities." The theme emphasized the importance of collective efforts to address the needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities.

Several speakers took the stage to address the audience and shed light on the significance of the day.

Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal, reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Government to ensure the welfare of persons with disabilities. He highlighted the numerous measures implemented by the government to support and empower persons with disabilities.

Among the measures mentioned by the Deputy Commissioner were financial assistance in the form of pensions, free education, free medical treatment, free travel facilities, vocational programs, and other essential services. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the well-being and improved the quality of life for a large number of persons with disabilities in the district.

Vikas Kundal further emphasized that the Government has taken special measures to promote the socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Efforts are being made to create an inclusive environment where persons with disabilities can actively participate in society and contribute to its progress.

Advocate Ashfaq Lone explained the legal rights and special measures being taken by the Government to realize the goal of socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, District Social Welfare Officer, Abdul Rahim, shed light on the multitude of welfare measures being implemented by government departments in the district to support persons with disabilities.

These measures encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the provision of pensions to ensure financial assistance, the distribution of prosthetic aids to enhance mobility and independence, and other essential support services.

He also informed that 9781 specially abled persons are taking benefits under disability pension from the social welfare department while 216 scooties have been distributed during this financial year. He further added that 945 prosthetic appliances will be distributed among the specially abled persons soon in the district

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration in Rajouri has undoubtedly contributed to raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a more empathetic and supportive community for persons with disabilities.

Later, momentos were also presented to the participating students as a symbolic recognition of their contribution and engagement during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration in Rajouri. In addition to this, disability certificates were also distributed among the persons with disabilities.

The event was attended by the District Social Welfare Officer, Abdul Rahim, Executive Engineer PDD Rajouri, Mohd Rashid; Warden Pahari Hostel Rajouri, Vinod Sharma; TSWO Rajouri, Rahul Puri; Advocate, Ashfaq Lone, ENT, Surjeet Singh and others.