Kathmandu, Dec. 3: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Uma Regmi reaffirmed her commitment to strictly enforcing the Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities- 2074 BS.

At a programme organized by the Apangata Sanrakshan Nepal on the occasion of 30th International Day of Persons with Disabilities here today, Minister Regmi warned that all those not abiding by the Act ensuring free education, healthcare services and discount on transportation will be booked.

Regmi said, "Although the Act ensures 50 per cent discount on the transportation fare for the persons with disabilities, it is not strictly implemented. S/he who does not implement such provisions would be booked."

She also assured that the word disability would be linked with the name of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens very soon and pledged to make efforts to build disability-friendly infrastructures. "For the visually challenged people, an assistant would be assigned," the Minister said.

During the event, altogether 60 visually impaired people were provided the 'white cane', a special equipment used to scan the surrounding or orientation marks.

Chairperson of the Apangata Sanrakshan Birodh Khatiwada underscored special schemes for the people living with disabilities and visually impaired people.

National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal has been demanding effective implementation of the laws, policies and directives relating to the rights of the people with disabilities.

The International Day of People with Disabilities is marked on December 3 every year at the initiative of the United Nations Organisation since 1992. The 2021 theme of the IDPWD is "Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era.”

The Day is celebrated with the aim of drawing the attention of the world community for promoting the rights and equal opportunities of people with disabilities. It is also observed to motivate all to fight against all types of discrimination, violence and misbehaving against people with disabilities.

According to World Bank and WHO, 10 to 15 per cent of the world's population are living with one or the other form of disability and most of them live in developing and least developed countries.

Nepal lacks detailed statistics regarding the disabled population and their status. The Population Census 2011 report shows that only 1.94 per cent of the country's population is disabled.