Submits memorandum to Union Minister
SRINAGAR: Mir Arifa Jan, State President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharadchandra Pawar for Jammu and Kashmir and the State President, BRICS Human Rights Missions Jammu and Kashmir, has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Varindra Kumar, urging urgent action to address the longstanding issues faced by persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the Union Territory.
In her letter, Mir Arifa Jan highlighted a wide range of grievances affecting the disabled community, including non-implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act, 2016), lack of infrastructure accessibility, delays in the issuance of Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards, and the absence of inclusive education and employment measures.
“The disabled population in Jammu and Kashmir continues to suffer due to institutional apathy and a lack of coordinated efforts. We demand urgent implementation of legal mandates and the creation of systems that guarantee the dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities,” Jan said.
Among the key demands raised were the immediate constitution of the UT Advisory Board for PwDs, strengthening of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs), establishment of a dedicated school for blind children in Srinagar, and setting up of drug de-addiction centres at the Tehsil level, inaccessibility of public infrastructure, inclusive education and employment, social security and pensions, representation in governance, establishment of model special school for persons with disabilities in Srinagar.
The letter has also been forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other key officials, seeking their support in taking the matter forward with urgency.
Arifa Jan emphasised that these are not just welfare issues but matters of justice and human rights. She reiterated her party’s commitment to advocating for marginalised voices and ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully respected in J&K. She appreciated the hard work of the Association working for the welfare of the Divyangjan in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.