Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Odisha Disability Conclave 2024 was held at the Odisha Association for the Blind (OAB) in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
The event organised by VIEWS is aimed at bringing policymakers, government officials, civil society organizations, and media together to discuss the effective implementation of disability rights laws and policies in Odisha.
The conclave was inaugurated by Sannyashi Behera, Deputy Secretary, SSEPD Department, in the presence of Kasturi Mohapatra, former State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Sushanta Panda, Additional Secretary, Cooperation Department, Rajiv Kumar Raul from Azim Premji Foundation and Maheswar Rout, President of OAB.
Sannyashi Behera highlighted according to the 2011 Census, Odisha had 11,44,902 differently-abled people, and this number is expected to rise in future censuses.
He stressed the importance of ensuring basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter for persons with disabilities.
Referring to the recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed accessibility for disabled persons as a fundamental right, he said, “If this order is not implemented effectively, accessibility cannot truly be a fundamental right. We must work collectively to ensure this.”
Sushanta Panda, Additional Secretary, Cooperation Department, emphasized the need for inclusive societal development, adding, “Awareness drives at the gram panchayat, block, and district levels are essential to address the challenges faced by disabled individuals.”
S. Bheema Rao, Executive Director of VIEWS, stated, “Odisha Disability Conclave 2024, a civil society initiative, provides a platform for policymakers, civil society organizations, media, and academic institutions to discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Odisha. It also showcases best practices empowering them. I am glad that over 200 participants from across the state attended this event.”
Kasturi Mohapatra praised the efforts of those working to ensure the rights of disabled individuals. She urged society to fulfill their basic needs and called for greater love, acceptance, and respect for persons with disabilities.
The conclave concluded with a call to action for creating an inclusive and accessible Odisha.
