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New Delhi, 3 December (Hindustan Reporter). Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated the Accessible India Campaign on completion of 9 years. He reiterated the government’s commitment to further enhance access, equality and opportunities for our sisters and brothers with disabilities. Modi praised the patience and achievements of the disabled sisters and brothers and said that it has made all of us proud.
Prime Minister Modi wrote on his blog that today 3rd December is an important day. The whole world celebrates this day as International Day with Disabilities. Today is a special occasion to pay tribute to the courage, self-confidence and achievements of persons with disabilities. He said that with the determination power of 140 crore countrymen, ‘Accessible India’ not only removed many obstacles from the path of disabled people, but also gave them a life of respect and prosperity.
He said that this year this day is even more special. This year the Constitution of India has completed 75 years. The Constitution of India inspires us to work for equality and freedom. With this inspiration of the Constitution, in the last 10 years we have laid a strong foundation for the progress of persons with disabilities. Over the years, many policies have been made and decisions taken for the disabled in the country. These decisions show that our government is all-touching, sensitive and all-developing. In this sequence, today has also become a day to reiterate our dedication towards our disabled brothers and sisters.
Modi said that after becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, we first decided to popularize the word ‘Divyang’ in place of ‘Disabled’. This was not just a change of words, it also increased the dignity of the disabled in the society and gave great acknowledgment to their contribution. This decision gave the message that the government wants such an inclusive environment, where physical challenges do not become a wall in front of a person and he gets the opportunity to build the nation with full respect as per his talent.
The Prime Minister said that due to the policies of the previous governments, persons with disabilities are left behind from government jobs and opportunities for higher education. We changed those conditions. The reservation system got a new look. The amount spent for the welfare of disabled people was also tripled in 10 years. These decisions created new avenues of opportunities and advancement for persons with disabilities. Today our disabled friends are making us proud by becoming dedicated partners in the building of India.
He said that the perseverance and achievements of our brothers and sisters with disabilities make us proud. India’s success in Paralympics is a very vivid example of this. It reflects the ‘can do anything’ spirit of disabled people. Modi said that to make the life of the disabled people simple, easy and self-respecting, we implemented the Disabled Persons Act in the same spirit. In this historic law, the category of disabled was also increased from 7 to 21. For the first time, our acid attack survivors were also included in it. Today this law is becoming a medium for the empowered life of the disabled people.
The Prime Minister said that today when players of my country come to my house with Paralympic medals on their chest, my heart fills with pride. Every time I share with you the inspiring stories of my disabled brothers and sisters in Mann Ki Baat, my heart fills with pride. Be it education, sports or startups, they are breaking all barriers and reaching new heights and becoming partners in the development of the country.
Expressing confidence, he said that when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of independence in 2047, our disabled friends will be seen as a source of inspiration for the entire world. Today we have to be determined towards this goal.
It is noteworthy that nine years ago, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, also known as Accessible India Campaign, launched the mission of transforming India into a truly inclusive society.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) nine years ago on 3 December 2015. Based on the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, the campaign was aimed at ensuring universal access to built infrastructure, transport system and information and communication technology ecosystem in three critical sectors. The aim of the campaign was to make public buildings, transport networks such as buses and trains and digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities.