6th Central Advisory Board Meeting on Disability
The 6th Meeting of the Central Advisory Board on Disability convened at DAIC, New Delhi, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Attended by distinguished ministers from Odisha, UP, Goa, Tamil Nadu, alongside key representatives from states, UTs, and various organizations, the meeting addressed pivotal issues in the disability sector, heralding a new era of transformative progress.
Deliberations spanned critical topics, including the implementation status of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Accessible India Campaign, Unique Disability Identity Card Project, and innovative initiatives by DEPwD for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Discussions also encompassed the identification of suitable posts in State Establishments, schemes for PwDs with high support needs, and the organizing of festivals like Purple Fest in every State/UT.
Under the emphatic guidance of Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Board called upon all States/UTs to swiftly enforce the RPwD Act, notify State Rules, and establish State Advisory Boards and District-level Committees. The imperative to designate District-level Courts and appoint independent Commissioners for PwDs resonated strongly.
Secretary, DEPwD, emphasized that the empowerment of PwDs is a collective responsibility, urging collaboration among all Ministries/Departments at both Central and State levels. He advocated the sharing of best practices for a multiplier effect and stressed the need for action-oriented, time-bound solutions to address the challenges faced by PwDs.
Members of the Board contributed valuable suggestions, ranging from creating a comprehensive database of PwDs to proposing the establishment of a dedicated TV channel for PwDs. The vision of enabling PwDs to become taxpayers rather than mere benefit receivers gained prominence.
The Central Advisory Board’s resolute commitment to empowering the differently-abled echoes through these deliberations, marking a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.