Srinagar, August 03(KNS): The Juvenile Justice Committee of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh organized its Annual Consultation on the "Protection of Children with Disabilities" at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The event was inaugurated by Chief Justice (A) Tashi Rabstan, who also serves as Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Committee. The consultation saw the participation of Justices Atul Sreedharan, Sindhu Sharma, Javed Iqbal Wani, Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, and Mohd. Yousuf Wani, with other Hon’ble Judges attending virtually.
The event, held in collaboration with the Supreme Court of India's Child Welfare Committee, UNICEF, Agri Industries Vikas Chamber, and the Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs Departments of J&K and Ladakh, gathered a diverse group of stakeholders. Attendees included heads of various departments, Principal Magistrates of JJBs, Medical Officers, academicians, police officers, social activists, and other experts from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Chief Justice Rabstan addressed critical issues faced by children with disabilities and discussed efforts needed to provide them with equal opportunities. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders and praised NGOs for their role in uplifting the lives of these children.
Justice Atul Sreedharan shared data on children with disabilities, highlighting the correlation between quality healthcare and education facilities and lower disability ratios.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelJustice Sindhu Sharma stressed the importance of safeguarding and empowering children with disabilities, calling for effective implementation of laws, inclusive education, comprehensive healthcare, and social inclusion.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wani focused on legislative frameworks that protect the rights of children with disabilities, including the Juvenile Justice Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement of these laws.
Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary of the Juvenile Justice Committee, provided an overview of the program, aiming to foster collaboration, share insights, and develop an action plan for the protection and support of children with disabilities.
The consultation featured technical sessions on various topics, including government welfare schemes, education and health perspectives, juvenile justice, and rehabilitation services. The sessions were chaired by M.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice; Rajinder Sapru, Registrar Rules; M. Iqbal Lone, Commissioner of Disabilities; and Y.P. Bourney, Director of J&K Judicial Academy.
The event concluded with remarks from Hilal Bhat, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF J&K, and a vote of thanks from Ms. Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary of DLSA Ganderbal. The proceedings were conducted by Mr. Jahangir Bakshi, Secretary of DLSA Srinagar.(KNS)