Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar today inaugurated the 11-day long Divya Kala Mela, a unique initiative of Government of India towards the economic empowerment of Divyangjan, at Gulshan Ground.
Divya Kala Mela being organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in collaboration with the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) showcased the extraordinary talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs, and artists from across J&K UT and various other States and UTs.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Government of India and all the stakeholders associated with the noble endeavour. He said the Divya Kala Mela reflects the Hon’ble Prime Minister's commitment to make Divyangjan economically empowered and self-reliant.
Reiterating his resolve to bring qualitative change in the lives of Divyangjan, the Lieutenant Governor said the Union Territory of J&K is committed to create a conducive environment to provide equal opportunities and protect rights of Divyangjan.
"I always believe in God's gift and doing good for others. I have made administration's primary goal to take steps that will lead to mainstreaming of Divyangjan in society.
In 2020 I had introduced a multi-faceted approach in Administration so that Divyangjan can realise their potential and become active participants in the development process", the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the dedicated efforts made by the J&K Administration to make assistive devices accessible to differently abled.
"I want to make sure every Divyangjan has access to Assistive Equipments that empowers them and minimizes the disability impact.
Devices like hearing aids, wheel chairs, limb prosthetics and motorised Scooty, which improve functional capacity and help the differently abled to live independently has been made available to them in far flung areas of Union Territory,” the Lieutenant Governor further added.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the individual and social service organisations to help Divyangjan in procuring suitable devices as per their needs.
He also urged the innovators of J&K UT to invent more user-friendly aids and devices for Divyangjan with the help of modern technology.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Social Welfare Department to work on mission mode for skilling of Divyangjans.
He further shared the dedicated measures taken by the administration to encourage the private sector to provide employment opportunities to Divyangjan and the necessary changes made in the reservation policy in government jobs based on various benchmarks.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the Union Minister for organizing mega fair for Divyangjan in Jammu division and Kashmir division.
He also thanked the Union Minister for his assurance to provide a platform for the Divyang Artisans and Entrepreneurs of J&K in fairs in other parts of the country.
The Lieutenant Governor and the Union Minister visited the stalls set up by Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs, various government institutions and civil society groups. They also handed over mobility devices and sanction letters to the beneficiaries.
The Lieutenant Governor assured all the support and necessary handholding by the administration to the participating artisans and entrepreneurs in scaling-up their business and marketing of their products.
Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister for Social Welfare J&K; Sh Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sh Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, J&K; Sh Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, GoI; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; senior officials, representatives of various social organizations, artists, artisans and entrepreneurs, and people from all walks of life were present.