#PeopleWithDisabilities Demand for Rights @ActionVillageIn

18 November, Churchu (Hazaribag): An advocacy meeting was held in the Block Office auditorium at Churchu block headquarters under Disability Rights program by NBJK with support of AVI-BLF, UK. Mr. Sushil Kumar Khakha (Block Development Officer, Churchu) has inaugurated the function and stressed upon the rights of People with Disability to be realized through their association with Government schemes. He said about employment provisions for PwDs under national employment guarantee scheme and asked NBJK staffs to provide names and addresses of enlisted PwDs surveyed by them in the block. Also the BDO has assured for government support to make aids & appliances available to the PwDs and convergence of different welfare programs in interest of challenged people.

Mrs. Sujata Prasad (Program Manager) has thanked the BDO for such encouraging words and expected for some ground work to be done with support of all sections of the society for self-reliance of PwDs. During the meeting, a memorandum from Ujala Viklang Vikas Sangh, Churchu (a local DPO) was submitted to the Block Development Officer and demanded for implementation of Government PwDs Policy-2012, 3% budget allocation for PwDs in all development schemes, Disability check up & certification facility, Single Window system, Vocational training, Supportive devices and Appointment of Divyang Mitras (Friends of PwDs) at block headquarters.

The advocacy meeting was graced by the presence of Mrs. Anukshee Devi (Pramukh), Mrs. Agneshia Sandi Purti (Member, District Council), Dr. (Mrs.) Punam Ekka (Block Health Officer), Mr. Amin Oraon (Police Station In-charge) and all have supported the move to empower PwDs of Churchu block. The meeting was anchored by Mr. Annu Kumar (District Coordinator) and the program team of Mr. Om Prakash Gupta, Mr. Narsingh Ram, Mrs. Vindu Devi, Mr. Sudeep, Mr. Shailesh, Mr. Anshuman and Mr. Ravikant Rana has made this a success.