Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), has urged political parties to be inclusive while bringing out their election manifestoes. Addressing a press conference at Hotel Japfü, here on Monday, NSDF president, Vikengunu Fatima Kera, said according to 2011 census people with disabilities (PwDs) make up 2.21% out of which there were around 1 crore eligible voters.
In Nagaland PwD population was around 29,316 and therefore they should also be considered in the development agenda and taken on board as well, Kera said.
She added that the disability community was neglected in all sectors of life for so long that now they could not stand and watch their rights get overlooked.
While presenting the manifesto for and by citizens with disabilities envisioned by National Disability Network (NON) and National Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NCRPD), Kera highlighted the various issues faced by the community in the country.
She thanked the state government for understanding the plight of PwDs by bringing out various policies and developments for the community.
However, Kera said the state still has a long way to go to come at par with the rest of the country.
She observed that there were more need for dialogue between the government and PwDs at the same time collaborate to find solutions and make the state more inclusive.
She highlighted that after its formation in January 2014, NSDF had been working tirelessly for the welfare of PwDs in the state through various means including, advocacy, survey, intervention, RTI, district tours, networking, awareness programs, awareness programs and organising medical camps among others in collaboration with office of State commissioner for PwDs, different government bodies, other like-minded NGOs and individuals.
Joining the discussion, NSDF general secretary, Ashe Kiba said the political parties would give a spotlight to the nationwide disability manifesto crafted by the disability community.
She said those demands encapsulate the essential needs of persons with disabilities, which any incoming government must address or prioritize.
Kiba added the disabled segment of society, face consistent marginalization in all aspects of life, including the electoral process and that their voices were disregarded, their status as a voting constituency was ignored and their concerns were absent from election agendas and manifestos.
In this regard, she said the disabled community were resolute in asserting their presence and insisting that their needs receive equal priority to those of other societal groups.
Therefore, it’s imperative that all political parties consider their demands and include them in their manifesto for the 2024 General Elections, Kiba said.
She commended The Election Commission of India (ECI) for taking measures to facilitate the registration and voting of eligible persons with disabilities by providing necessary assistance.
She highlighted some issues including Accessibility, Social Security, Socio-Political Inclusion and Economic Participation. NSDF joint secretary, Ngaugongbe, highlighted issues and hardships faced by PwDs due to factors like Climate Change, Physical Vulnerability, Health Risks, Economics Challenges, Social Exclusion, Education, Accessibility, Lack of accommodation, Inadequate Support Services and Gender Disparities.