In Gandaki province, the 'Bill to regulate the rights of persons with disabilities' has been unanimously passed. The bill reached the Social Development and Agriculture Committee for discussion on 26 Chait 081 was passed after discussion on Tuesday with the report of the committee in accordance with sub-rule (2) clause (a) of rule 125 of the Gandaki State Assembly Rules 2080.

Among the seven provinces, Gandaki has become the first to enact laws on the rights of persons with disabilities. Presenting the

bill, Minister of Social Development, Youth and Sports of Gandaki Province, Bindu Kumar Thapa informed that the bill was introduced after extensive discussion in the committee. He said that the provincial government has formed a directorate committee for coordination, facilitation, monitoring and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. The

Act has made important provisions such as interclassification, diversity of disabilities, definitions covering 10 types of disabilities, arrangements for obtaining driver's licenses, operation of day service centers, development and research of sign language, residential education and priority in vulnerable situations.

'This bill has been introduced with the aim of ending discrimination, inequality and oppression of persons with disabilities and ensuring their rights, respect and empowerment,' he said, 'I would like to express my gratitude to all those who directly and indirectly helped to make this historic moment possible.' According to him, the bill will promote their empowerment, self-respect and self-reliance. "This bill will become an important document in the journey towards social justice, equal opportunities and dignified living," he said.

The parliamentarians of the state assembly have welcomed the bill as a historic, positive and practical step . MP Dilliram Subedi stressed on the implementation of the Act and said that education, health, employment and access should be given special importance. MP Bhakta Bahadur Kunwar said, "This bill is important for everyone as disability is not only congenital but can occur at any time in life." MP Pancharam Gurung said, "The Disability Act is a document linked to the fundamental rights granted by the Constitution". It helps to ensure access to free education, employment, health and infrastructure for disabled children.

MP Sunita Thapa, mentioning that she is also a representative of the disabled community, said, 'This bill is not only for the disabled community but for everyone. This step of Gandaki can become an example for the international world.' He said, "Even though the bill is not as complete as we want, it covers many important issues." We have full confidence that the implementation will start immediately after making the regulations.'

According to him, today is a happy day for all the disabled people of Gandaki province. He thanked the former Minister of Social Development who took the initiative to bring the disability bill, the Chief Minister who insisted on its implementation and the current Minister Bindu Kumar Thapa . He added, 'Among the 7 provinces, Gandaki has introduced a disability related policy and law for the first time . Now we expect Gandaki to become the best province in implementation.''