State government constitutes 'advisory board on disability'

Dimapur, Oct. 26 (EMN): In what could be termed as a welcome step for the long felt demand of the People with Disabilities (PwDs), the Nagaland state government has constituted a "State Advisory Board on Disability" in pursuance of sub-section (1) and (2) of Section 66 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Government of Nagaland. The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR),  stated that the minister for social welfare and the chief secretary will be the ex-officio chairperson and vice-chairperson of the advisory board respectively. Other top bureaucrats of different departments, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have been included as ex-officio members of the board. Besides, well-known social workers and activists have also been nominated or included in the advisory board. Apart from the ministers and bureaucrats, other notable members of the board are representatives from the DDRC Dimapur District Hospital, Directorate of H & FW, NAPAD, Prodigals' Home and  Cherry Blossoms Society. The board also includes well-known disability rights activist, Diethono Nakhro; the president of Nagaland state disability forum, Kezhaleto Zecho; and president Tabitha enabling society, Kohima, Asanuo Thong as the members; and representatives from the Kohima Chambers of Commerce & Industries (KCCI).