Chhattisgarh is set to host a pivotal workshop in Raipur to strengthen the draft of the “Chhattisgarh State Disability Welfare and Rehabilitation Policy 2025,” in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and UNICEF. The initiative, held under the chief patronage of Ms. Laxmi Rajwade, Minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, aims to craft a comprehensive, inclusive framework for the state’s differently-abled citizens under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Rights-Based Approach: From Draft to Implementation
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, established disability as a matter of rights rather than charity. To ensure the Act’s effective implementation in Chhattisgarh, the Social Welfare Department has prepared a detailed draft policy. This workshop will provide a platform to incorporate expert insights and feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that the policy is both actionable and inclusive.
Expert Participation: Gathering National Insights
Renowned national and international experts will contribute to the discussions, including Mr. Rajiv Raturi, lead petitioner in the landmark Rajiv Raturi v. Union of India case; Mr. Samir Ghosh, Inclusion Advisor at the World Bank; Mr. Akhil Paul, Chief Patron of Sense International India; and UNICEF specialist Ms. Alka Malhotra. Their technical guidance will play a critical role in finalizing a policy that addresses real-world challenges for persons with disabilities.
Multi-Departmental Engagement for Holistic Governance
To ensure a holistic approach, senior officials from over 20 state departments—including Home (Police), Panchayat and Rural Development, Tribal and Scheduled Caste Welfare, Health, Education, Finance, Transport, Electronics and IT, Urban Administration, Labour, and Women and Child Development—will actively participate. Their inputs will strengthen various chapters of the policy, including education, health, employment, accessibility, and social security.
Expected Outcomes: Comprehensive, Inclusive, and Transformative Policy
The workshop seeks to gather actionable recommendations to refine the draft policy, making it comprehensive, inclusive, and robust. By integrating insights from experts and department officials, the final policy will serve as a milestone in improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Chhattisgarh, ensuring equal opportunities, empowerment, and social justice across the state.
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