Nagaland commits to fully accessible public spaces and schools

KOHIMA — The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 was celebrated at Kisama on Wednesday with a call to make accessibility a standard and to reaffirm the vision of a disability-inclusive society for social progress.

Advisor for Social Welfare department, Wangpang Konyak, highlighted the multiple barriers that still hinder persons with disabilities (PwDs)—difficult roads, missing ramps, inaccessible public buildings, and social attitudes that “see only the disability and not the immense ability.”

He added that it is the responsibility of all citizens to ensure this reality changes.

Affirming that the government is committed to removing these barriers and building an inclusive Nagaland, he said that the state is retrofitting government buildings, transport hubs and public spaces, including efforts to make the Kisama Heritage Village fully accessible.

According to him, the government is ensuring that every new project follows universal design standards—ramps, elevators, tactile paving, accessible washrooms and audio-visual signals.

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It is also making all government schools barrier-free, training teachers in inclusive education, and providing assistive devices and digital learning materials so that no child is left behind.

The government, he added, is strictly enforcing job reservations while moving beyond charity towards genuine empowerment.

Konyak further informed that the INR 1 crore Corpus Fund announced in 2023 for seed capital support is being continued, enabling PwDs to start businesses and achieve economic independence.

The first cheques from this fund have already been handed over to several young people with disabilities.

“Disability rights are human rights. We are committed to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in letter and spirit. Inclusion is not simply charity—it is justice. Leadership of persons with disabilities is not just necessary; it is key to the bright, sustainable Nagaland we all dream of,” he said.

On the occasion, he urged everyone to commit to moving forward together—listening more, including more, making accessibility a standard in every district, and walking hand-in-hand with PwDs to make equality a lived reality.

Limawabang Jamir, Secretary of Social Welfare and Ex-officio State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, underscored the day’s theme, “fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”

He said that it calls upon institutions, communities and individuals to build a world where inclusion is the norm, and where PwDs are not merely accommodated but fully empowered to participate, contribute and lead.

He added that social progress cannot be achieved unless every member of society enjoys equal rights, access and opportunities.

Jamir further urged all to reflect on their responsibility to create communities that are accessible, supportive and nurturing, and to remove both physical and attitudinal barriers so that every individual can thrive.

Financial assistance under the CM Corpus Fund for PwDs was given to three beneficiaries from Noklak, Kiphire and Wokha, each receiving INR 2 lakh and a citation.

Sign language interpretation during the programme was provided by Ruokuokhrienuo Vizotha and Catherine Thong.