Nand Kishore Yadav has called for coordinated efforts to promote disability inclusion, accessibility, education, employment and empowerment across the state.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has called for coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, healthcare providers, employers, civil society and communities to ensure equal opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Addressing the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet 2026, hosted by the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) at RCEMPA, Kohima, on Thursday, Yadav said inclusion must be reflected in schools, public buildings, transport, workplaces, digital platforms and community spaces.
He emphasised that care for persons with disabilities must extend beyond the family and lead to empowerment, enabling them to learn, participate, work, create and lead with dignity and independence, an update from PRO Lok Bhavan, Kohima, stated.
The Governor also stressed the importance of universal accessibility, describing it as an essential component of an inclusive, humane and equitable society.
He called for equal access to education, skills, employment and public services, while stressing that persons with disabilities should be at the centre of decisions concerning their lives.
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Speaking on early identification and intervention, Yadav called for closer coordination among families, Anganwadi centres, schools, health workers and medical professionals.
He said education must remain at the heart of inclusion and highlighted the need for trained teachers, accessible infrastructure, appropriate learning materials and informed parental support.
He also called for the principles of inclusion and equity under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to be translated into meaningful action on the ground.
The Governor further emphasised the need to strengthen the pathway from education to skills, skills to employment and employment to economic independence.
He advocated greater focus on vocational training, skill development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, while urging workplaces to provide persons with disabilities equal opportunities to be recruited, trained, entrusted with responsibilities and advance based on their abilities and performance.
Highlighting Nagaland’s difficult terrain and dispersed settlements, Yadav said inclusive services must reach beyond state and district headquarters and extend to every village and community.
He called for decentralised and innovative approaches to bring specialised healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices and inclusive education closer to people.
He noted that technology, tele-consultation and stronger coordination could help bridge geographical gaps in accessing essential services.
The Governor also called for a change in social attitudes towards persons with disabilities, saying they require respect, equal opportunity and the removal of barriers rather than sympathy alone.
He stressed that their voices and lived experiences should guide policies, programmes and actions.
The 100th Regional Parents’ Meet was organised on the theme, “From Care to Empowerment: Building Inclusive Communities through Strong Families and Collective Action.”
Yadav described the milestone as a significant moment in the sustained journey of dialogue, advocacy, solidarity and collective action for the dignity, opportunity and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
He acknowledged the dedication of parents, who often overcome significant challenges to secure therapy, education and accessibility for their children, and called for stronger partnerships, more inclusive schools and workplaces, greater accessibility, stronger family support and wider opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society.
Yadav congratulated PARIVAAR-NCPO, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NAPAD and partner organisations for bringing the landmark event to Nagaland.
He expressed hope that the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet would open a new chapter in the collective journey towards inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.