A meeting was convened in the VC Room of the DC Office, Leh, to address various issues concerning Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the region on April 28. 

The meeting addressed a range of issues concerning the welfare of PwDs in Leh and Kargil districts. Key topics included improving accessibility in public spaces, establishing Disability Resource Centres, incorporating Braille and sign language support in education, enhancing grant-in-aid schemes for NGOs, improving transport accessibility, providing reserved parking spaces, and conducting a UT-wide disability census.

Secretary Shashanka Ala highlighted the significance of digitally issuing UDID cards to streamline service delivery and scheduling for PwDs.

Secretary Bhupesh Chaudhary assured that the Transport Department would simplify the registration process for adapted vehicles and improve transport accessibility for PwDs, including issuing driving licenses.

Administrative Secretary Michael M. D’Souza informed that an accessibility audit would be conducted for existing buildings, beginning with government offices. He also announced plans to improve signage in government buildings to enhance accessibility.

Secretary Bhanu Prabha outlined plans to provide assistive devices for students, along with additional support such as home tuition where needed. She also emphasized efforts to ensure admission opportunities for PwD students in higher education courses.

The President of PAGIR proposed the formation of a District Disability Committee to monitor and support the implementation of disability-related initiatives. The proposal was met with a positive response from the attendees.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to create an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment for PwDs across Ladakh.
The meeting was attended virtually by key officials, including the Deputy Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Secretary of the Social & Tribal Welfare Department, Shashanka Ala, IAS; Secretary of the Transport Department, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Administrative Secretary of the Public Works Department (R&B), Michael M. D’Souza, IAS; and Secretary of the School, Technical, and Higher Education Department, Bhanu Prabha, IAS. Other attendees included DC/CEO of LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve; Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, Shruti Arora, IPS; Additional Deputy Commissioner of Leh; Regional Transport Officer, Ladakh; Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B); Superintending Engineer of PWD (R&B); Directors of Social Welfare and School Education Departments; Deputy Director of the Employment Department; Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Leh; Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee, Leh; Chief Education Officer, Leh; Headmaster of Government Middle School, Chuchot; and Presidents of PAGIR, REWA Society, and Munsal Society.