L-G Sinha calls upon officials to protect, promote rights of ‘divyangjans’

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a system that aligns with the aspirations of divyangjans, ensuring dignity, accessibility and equal opportunities for all.

“I salute the resilience, determination and potential of divyangjans. We are committed to building a system that aligns with their dreams and aspirations, eliminating all challenges and barriers,” the L-G said while addressing an event held to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at a college here.

The programme was organised by the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC), Jammu, under the theme ‘Celebrating Ability, Preserving Culture’. The global theme for this year is ‘Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress’.

Calling upon government officials and social organisations to pledge their support towards protecting and promoting the rights of divyangjans, the L-G said, “Inclusion of divyangjan is the foundation of equitable development. We must work with sensitivity, awareness and shared resolve to ensure their dignity, meaningful participation and guaranteed access to education, skills and livelihoods.”

Sinha highlighted key initiatives of the UT Administration aimed at socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. “Together, we must build a J&K where accessibility is the norm, where every divyangjan has access to all facilities, equal employment opportunities, and advanced technical tools needed to live a life of dignity and respect,” he added.

He also lauded CRC Jammu for its dedicated efforts in rehabilitation and empowerment. Since 2024, the Centre has conducted over 35,000 clinical surveys and distributed assistive devices worth more than Rs 2 crore, benefiting thousands. On the occasion, the L-G handed over assistive devices and kits to beneficiaries and visited stalls set up by various social service organisations.

Bahu MLA Vikram Randhawa; Prof (Dr) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges; Dr Rohnika Sharma, Director CRC Jammu (Samba); senior officials, heads of educational institutions, social activists, students and a large number of citizens attended the event.