Javed Ahmad Tak Honorary chairman Humanity welfare organisation HELPLine NGO & Nishtha Krishna Anand Founder Spreading smiles Foundation Gujrat met Chief Engineer Department of public works J&K and Director social welfare department Kashmir. The following issues were discussed
With Chief Engineer Kashmir the delegation discussed problems faced by persons with disabilities in buildings due to number of hurdles and barriers in the infrastructure. Chief engineer kashmir Mr. Showkat jeelani pandit assured the delegation that a committe will be formulated to audit the existing and under construction buildings under public works department kashmir and check accessibility features. On submission of access audit report the steps will be taken to renovate building and make them disable friendly. Taking note of the Accessible India Campaign Chief Engineer updated deligation that around ten crore rupees of funds from Government of India through disability affairs department Ministry of Social justice and Empwerment got lapsed due to pandemics. Thus he directed the concerned officials to take up the matter with Principal secretary to Government Public works department and Social welfare department for revalidating and reviewing the funds so that Accessibility is created for all types of persons with disabilities in all identified buildings under AIC in srinagar and other districts. Mr krishna Anand member spreading smiles foundation offered complimentary access audit services in the PWD condtructed buildings to the Chief Engineer Kaahmir
In second meeting the delegation met Bashir Ahmad Dar KAS Director social welfare and discussed
Timely disbursal of integrated social security pension among persons with disabilities and its enhancements.
Start up of vocational trainings centres for disability sector in Kashmir division with technical support of spreading smiles foundation Gujrat. Director Social welfare department Kashmir division assured the delegation thar all infrastructural support will be provided to the foundation to include youth with disabilities in vocational trainings.
The another important issue discussed with Director social welfare department Kashmir was the problems faced by persons with disabilities in employment through JK services selection recruitment board. These include the provision of scribe, provision of all facilities and relaxations to persons with disabilities at par with SC / ST in light of recent descisions of Honourable Supreme court and acceptance of Disability sector as reserved category without any confusions and finally acceptance of forms on 45% marks by JKSSRB. Director Social welfare assured that a letter will be went to SSRB authorities to remove all Discrepancies and confusions and implementation of Reservation rules in letter and spirit and maximise the employability of educated aspirants with disabilities.
Creation of Accessibility in directorate of social welfare was the another issue discussed with Director Social welfare department Kashmir. Bashir Ahmad Dar consulted Planning section and assured that recommendations will be made for installation of lift in the directorate building to maximise the Accessibility of visitors and staff facing mobility disabilities.
Director Social welfare kashmir assured that directorate of social welfare is committed for overall development and empowerment of persons with disabilities in kashmir without any delays.
