Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: The World Disabled Day, 3rd December 2004
was observed by the Research Academy for
Rural Enrichment (RARE) at Sonepur with the
disabled, parents of disabled, volunteers of
Disabled Development Force (DDF), Life
members and Institutional Members of RARE
and other invitees.
First of all a meeting was organised at Town hall. Sri Ambuj Bihari
Satpathy, Joint Secretary of RARE welcomed all. Sri Gourishyam Panda,
General secretary, elaborately discussed the objectives of celebrating the
Day. Sri Narayan Chandra Mallik, Project Officer, Lepra India, shared his
views on the rights and concessions available for the disabled. Sri
Ghasiram Panda, Joint Secretary read out the proposed memorendum and
discussed on different points of demands mentioned in the memorandum
and the same was approved unanimously. Sri Chandra Nath Dani, Member
in charge of Training, Workshop and seminars extended the vote of thanks.
The rally was followed by a meeting with 200 participants started from the
Town Hall via Bus Stand, Majhipada and Kachari Chhowck and ended at
Collectorate. The memorandum was presented to the Governor of Orissa
through the District Administration. In the absence of Collector the
Establishment officer received the memorandum. The points of demand in
the memorandum are:
1. to ensure 100 % certification.
2. To establish an independent disability commission.
3. to use the word “differently able” instead of "handicapped" in the
government paper to create a friendly atmosphere.
4. to increase the reservation and pension.
5. to ensure the rights and concessions available for the disabled
according to the PWD Act.
6. to make compulsory a barrier free access in all the government offices
and public places.
7. to make necessary arrangement for providing aid and appliance,
rehabilitation, vocational training and financial assistance with low
interest rate for all disabled in the district.
The rally and meeting was successfully coordinated by the staffs of RARE’s
Relief institution for the Mentally Retarded, Sonepur and voulunters of DDF.
Ghasiram Panda
Joint Secretary