Committed to make Delhi accessible to the differently-abled: Gautam

NEW DELHI: Delhi government observed International Disability Day on Friday. The social welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam asserted that the target of the government is to make the city more disable friendly.

"This day is greatly emphasized to celebrate it yearly in order to promote the awareness about the people with disabilities as well as to encourage them by implementing a lot of assistance in their real life to enhance their way of life and remove the social stigma towards them.

"Since 1992, it has been celebrated continuously every year until this year with a lot of success all over the world," said Gautam.

He added that people who have the heart for social service should only come to this sector.

"Social welfare department is meant for the overall development of the people concerned but since last few years this department has seen the downfall only," he said.

Gautam explained willingly no one is contributing to this department.

"But since the day I have taken the charge of this department, I am not at rest. I will not allow people to take it down further," the minister said.

Students from various schools run by the department performed in the programme. Deaf and mute students from Asha Kiran School & Lady Noyce School also performed on the dance numbers.

"Despite the fact that they cannot speak or hear, they danced to the tunes while seeing their teachers with the sign language. Children felt happy while performing as they get to see this exposure on some occasions only," the officials said.