NAGROTA: National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana on Wednesday sought a comprehensive package for physically challenged persons in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that perpetual disturbances and intermittent border skirmishes generally lead to physical disabilities across the State.
“The society and the government have a bounden duty and responsibility to empower these segments by whatever way they can to lead a dignified life and contribute towards progress and prosperity of the State”, Rana said after distributing seven scooties to seven physically challenged persons of the Nagrota Assembly Constituency this afternoon.
Rana said that watching cheer on the faces of physically challenged is overwhelming for him and he will not shirk his responsibility towards their welfare and empowerment.
He recalled his most satisfying moments nearly two months ago, when he saw the first batch of beneficiaries driving on road after the conclusion of function and treading towards destination for progress and dignity. “Every single effort to empower this segment of society is a big leap towards enlisting their involvement in socio economic transformation as mobility is imperative for pursuing career”, he said.
The MLA Nagrota said that physical disability is not a curse but a condition which should not be allowed to hamper the growth of the person.
“Such persons need encouragement, more than compassion to perform their useful role in the society”, he said, while quoting the adage that if God deprives anybody of any vital limb, he or she is compensated with such faculties that makes them distinct from others.
While lauding the urge of physically challenged segment of society to lead a dignified and pro-active life, the Provincial President called for societal change towards them.
“Their empowerment and well-being has to be ensured by devising schemes to help them cope up with the situation”, he said adding that though various programmes have already been tailored by the Centre and the State Government, yet there is need to do more for them. He said the society and the government must come forward in a big way to alleviate their disadvantages by taking supportive measures.
Rana was accompanied by Aijaz Jan, Provincial President Youth National Conference, Satwant Kour Dogra, Provincial President Women Wing and Ch. Haroon.
Rana complimented the will and determination of physically challenged persons to stand on their own rather than becoming dependent on others. He recalled with pride how many such persons have not only achieved economic self-reliance but emerged as job-providers for others. “Such a spirit is worth emulating and I hope that the physically challenged persons shall take benefit from the available schemes and programmes for their emancipation and empowerment”, he added.
Rana thanked the Social Welfare Department for promptly arranging the scooties.
Besides family members of the beneficiaries, prominent citizens of the area including Sarpanch Nagrota Pt. Rameshwar Dutt, Sarpanch Bain Bajalta Ch. Rehmat Ali, Sarpanch Nadore Joginder Lal, Sarpanch Badsoo, Khurshaid Ali, Sarpanch Janakha Mohd Sadiq, Sarpanch Khanpur Iqbal, Sarpanch Showa Mumtaz, Sarpanch Chibba Liaqat Ali, Sarpanch Marh Noor Mohammad, Niab Sarpanch Jagti Asaram, Ex- Sarpanch Bamyal Bashir Ahmed Kohli, Madan Sharma, Puran Numberdar and Pt. Kaushal Sharma, were present on the occasion.