RONO HILLS, Dec 4: Along with the rest of the state and country, Rajiv Gandhi University observed the World Disability Day on Thursday through a webinar conducted by its Department of Education on the theme ‘Rights of Person With Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016: The way forward’.
Secretary, Persons with Disability Department, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairperson, Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Shakuntala Doley Gamlin as Chief Guest cited the examples of famous personalities who despite having disabilities showcased their potentials. Elaborating on the provisions included in the Rights of PWD Act, 2016 she urged the state government to come with standard rules based on the Act so as to permeate the benefits to Panchayat levels. Head, Department of Education, R.I.E. (NCERT), Bhubaneshwar Professor Gowramma I.P threw light on the causes of the gap in literacy rate among the disabled people. 

Director, Social Justice and Empowerment Tribal Affairs, GoAP Yumlam Kaha informed that there are more than 33,000 PWDs in the state as per Census 2011 and detailed the role played by the state government through issuance of unique ID and Rs 1700 disability pension per month. While informing that a physiotherapy centre is operational in Naharlagun and a new project for vocational training institute is underway along with setting up of a CRC, he urged RGU to start a department to take care of the education and training of the disabled people. 
Founder Director of Sense International India, Dr. Akhil Paul and Director, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, Dr. Himangshu Das spoke on various aspects of the webinar’s theme. Dr. Das offered NIEPVD’s collaboration in making the RGU a model accessible university. 
RGU Vice Chancellor Professor Saket Kushwaha in his concluding remarks as chairperson of the webinar appealed all to be respectful towards the PWDs in daily life.  RGU PR 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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