CHANDIGARH: Disability is a matter of serious concern, which can only be eradicated through awareness. Without empowering the persons with disabilities, we cannot ensure the inclusive growth of the nation. It was said by Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Pande, Chief Commissioner for Person with Disabilities, Government of India, while chairing the high level review meeting of various department of the Punjab Government.

Disclosing this, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Person with Disabilities, Government of India are here in Punjab to review the implementation of the Rights of Persons With Disability (RPWD) Act,2016 in the state. During the review meeting the Chief Commissioner took stock of the various kind of facilities that are being provided by the department of School Education, Health, PWD, Local Govt, Housing and Urban Development, Transport, Higher Education, Industries, Technical Education, Rural Development, Personnel, Finance and Labour vis-à-vis the various provisions of the RPWD Act,2016. HoDs of the departments gave one-to-one presentations regarding the services and facilities being provided for the welfare of persons with disabilities.

Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Pande, Chief Commissioner for Person with Disabilities, Government of India threw light on the condition of disables in India by stating that as per 2011 census, there are 2.86 crore persons with disabilities in India. He said that though, since ages India is nurturing a sympathetic outlook towards persons with disabilities, but even then we have to march forward in this direction by giving due honour, government jobs and other special facilities to them at the public place and government offices. He said that the inclusive growth of nation can be achieved by empowering persons with disabilities.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting were Mr. Rakes Kumar Rai, Deputy Commissioner for Person with Disabilities, Government of India, Mr. KBS Sidhu, Special Chief Secretary, Social Security, Mr. A Venu Prasad, Principal Secretary, Local Government, Mr. Husan Lal, Secretary, Local Government, Mrs. Kavita Singh, Director, Social Security, Mr. Krishan Kumar, Secretary, School Education, Mrs. Tanu Kashyap, Joint Development Commissioner, Rural Development, Mr. D.S. Kharbanda, Director, Industries, Mr. D. Srinivas, Special Secretary, Health and other senior officer of the government.