True ease of living only when it also increases for Divyangs: President Droupadi Murmu

“In the true sense, only that society can be called sensitive where Divyangs have equal facilities and opportunities. The parameters for ease of living will be considered meaningful only when Divyangs’ ease of living increases,” President Murmu said at an event organised in Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday.

“It is the duty of the entire humanity to make all Divyangs feel comfortable and equal. Providing a barrier-free environment to Divyangs in every way should be the priority of the society,” she added.

The President also said that all related government ministries should work together for the benefit of Divyangs, especially their economic and social empowerment. She also added that special efforts were needed for the welfare and progress of Divyangs living in rural and remote areas.

“Promoting entrepreneurship among disabled people, developing their skills, providing them employment, making arrangements to give preference in the purchase of their products, and providing marketing facilities will increase their leadership abilities,” the President added.

Giving away awards to those working for the empowerment of persons with disability, the President said that the award winners are role models in society and that other people and institutions can emulate them to empower persons with disability.

The national awards were presented to 22 persons with disabilities in the ‘individual excellence’ category and 11 institutions such as non-profits, private enterprises and start-ups.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also rolled out 16 initiatives on Tuesday, including some on assistive technology such as specially developed knee joints and high-powered glasses for people with low vision.

The ministry also launched the Sugamya Bharat Yatra which will see persons with disabilities travel to major cities and towns and visit public places to assess accessibility standards.