SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday called for greater opportunities in education, employment, skill development and sports for persons with disabilities, saying their empowerment and social inclusion remain important priorities.
Sadiq was speaking after distributing medals and certificates of distinction among winners of the 8th Srinagar District Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior Games Championship for deaf and speech-impaired athletes at Gindun Park, Rajbagh.
He said the National Conference had consistently advocated a dignified life and equal opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised sections of society.
“Providing persons with disabilities meaningful opportunities in education, employment, skill development, financial assistance and sports is essential to enable them to become self-reliant, empowered and active members of society,” he said.
Sadiq said the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework in Jammu and Kashmir provides for reservation in government employment and higher education, besides provisions for inclusive education and equal opportunities in sports.
He said the Omar Abdullah-led government was taking the concerns of persons with disabilities seriously and working to strengthen their welfare, social inclusion and access to essential services.
Sadiq said he would raise their issues and demands with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to further improve access to education, financial assistance, skill development, employment and other services.
Welcoming the government’s approval of free travel on government transport for persons with disabilities, he said the initiative fulfilled a budgetary commitment and was an important step towards inclusive governance.
Under the facility, persons with disabilities will be able to travel free of cost on JKRTC buses as well as Jammu and Srinagar Smart City e-buses.
Sadiq also stressed the importance of sports in building confidence, courage and self-reliance among persons with disabilities. He called for expanding sports opportunities, training facilities, suitable infrastructure and encouragement programmes at the district and provincial levels.
He said such measures would help athletes develop their talent and represent Jammu and Kashmir at national and international platforms.
Sadiq congratulated the participating athletes, their parents, coaches and organisers, and said recognising the abilities, dignity and aspirations of persons with disabilities was a collective responsibility of society.
