Implementation of national policy on persons with disabilities stressed

Bheriganga (Surkhet), Feb 24: Rights activists of Surkhet have pressured the implementation of the national policy on persons with disabilities.

Participants at an interaction organized by the Federation of Parents of Intellectual Disability, Nepal, in partnership with UNPRPD and UNDP in Surkhet, Birendranagar, on Sunday raised their voices for policy enforcement.

On the occasion, the Federation’s former president and advocate Mukunda Hari Dahal informed about the provisions specified in the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities 2080 BS. This policy would contribute to the overall access of persons with disabilities in every sector, he said, adding that the policy implementation aspect should be made robust.

Meanwhile, the participants pointed out the need for a separate act for persons with disabilities in Karnali province. Chief of Koshish Nepal Surkhet, Surya Bhattarai, pointed out the need for the province to formulate its policy, saying the national policy on persons with disabilities alone could not represent the aspirations and needs of all.

Disability rights activist Suresh Khadka said it was good to make the policy law and suggested that attention should be paid to its implementation. President of the Blind Youth Association, Surkhet, Ashish Adhikari said the Karnali province should also ensure free education and participation in every field while formulating a policy related to disability.

Man Bahadur Karki, an officer at the National Human Rights Commission Karnali Province, said that all the offices of the province do not have accessible buildings for persons with disabilities. He informed that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been studying and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Karnali Province Minister for Social Development Ghanashyam Bhandari pledged to formulate a separate policy for persons with disabilities. The National Policy on Persons with Disabilities was endorsed by the Council of Ministers in December 2023.

Policy measures have been put in place to develop an inclusive and equitable system at all three tiers of government through legal arrangements, institutional reforms, and capacity building, and to effectively include persons with disabilities in society by making physical infrastructure, transport services, resources, and information technology accessible. —RSS