ICSSR Sponsored National Seminar on

Inclusiveness of the Differently Abled: Challenges and Opportunities in India

Date: February 05-06, 2020

Venue: School of Management, KIIT deemed to be University, Odisha, India

Theme of the Seminar:

Leaving no one behind itself draws our attention to the one of the most vulnerable sections of the society, the differently-abled persons. Safeguarding their interests requires an entitlement monitoring of their actual needs rather than generalizing them with that of a common man. Given the fact that 2.68 crore population in India are affected by different forms of disabilities, it is extremely vital that the design, structure, plan and implementation process of our schemes, policies and programmes ensure cent percent inclusion of the differently abled persons living across all corners of our country. The fact that the PwDs are the most stringent victims of poverty and malnourishment also cannot be avoided. They are the worst sufferers of health hazards, educational backwardness and remain economically down trodden. Moreover, disabled women are most susceptible to different forms of gender based discrimination being it education, employment, social policy, participation and decision making.

This seminar intends to have scholarly engagement focusing much light on India’s vision of a truly inclusive nation. Also, it will give a detail insight of the Socio-economic challenges faced by the differently abled persons particularly women and youth, Mapping the need verses provisions made in our current Acts and policies for PwDs and its effectiveness, Understanding the existing gaps in Socio-economic and financial inclusion faced by PwDs: Issues of participation, discrimination and accessibility, Understanding the Role of different stakeholders including the Government and the community for effective policy implementation with an expectation to go a long way in sensitizing the policy makers and revitalizing our existing schemes in line with the needs of the differently abled persons.