KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 18
A new procedure recently drafted by the federal government proposes to develop and operate disability villages in partnership with the provinces.
The 'Disability Village (Apangata Gram) Construction and Operation Procedure' drafted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens envisages a set of provisions related to rehabilitation, skill development, education, health, employment and entertainment for differently-abled persons through the disability village.
A procedure recently developed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens has paved the way for both levels of government to jointly work in the interest of differently-abled persons.
As per the procedure, the MoWCSC will have to inform in writing to the Ministry of Social Development at the provinces to develop and operate the disability village. "Once the MoSD receives written information from the MoWCSC, the former will identify and select an appropriate location and information thereof along with a Detailed Project Report and multi-year investment commitment," it says. After completion of preliminary requirements, the MoWCSC enters into an agreement with the province concerned. However, the procedure has not indicated the estimated budget for construction and operation of disability village.
"The disability village should have an area spanning over three bigaha in Tarai, 20 ropani in the hilly region and 10 ropani in the mountain regions.
The disability village includes facilities such as rehabilitation centre, medical service unit, indoor and outdoor sports, mid-day meal, skill development centre, and sale promotion centre to sell the products prepared by beneficiaries, library, production of assistive materials and informal education centre," the procedure reads.
Interested differently-abled persons, who do not have any family member or caregiver, will be allowed to live under the custody of disability village until he/she becomes self-reliant.
According to a report of the MoWCSC, the buildings and road network in the disability village will be disabled-friendly in addition to the provision of separate blocks for persons with various forms of disabilities.
It will also be equipped with round-the-clock water supply system, sewerage, telephone and internet connectivity.
A version of this article appears in the print on February 19, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
