VP calls for efforts to empower differently-abled people
: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Saturday said eliminating discriminatory tendencies should be the first step in empowering differently-abled people.
Speaking at a cultural programme organised by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) here, Naidu said nobody has any right to ill-treat or discriminate against anybody, particularly persons with disabilities.
"It should be the collective responsibility of the society, people and institutions to support Divyangjan and empower them to lead a dignified life," the vice-president said according to an official release.
Although the Union government and various state governments have been systematically addressing grievances faced by differently-abled people, there is a need to create greater awareness among all sections of society on the need to prevent any form of discrimination and provide necessary support to enable them lead a life of dignity and respect, he said.
"As a society, we need to ensure that no stigma is