KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has said the government is committed to ensuring the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.

Addressing a programme organised at the local Bhrikutimandap premises on the occasion of the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) by the Main Celebration Committee, the Minister assured that disabled-friendly policies and structural cooperation would be introduced to make the IT sector more accessible for persons with disabilities. According to him, the Guideline for Assisting People with Disabilities will be implemented very soon.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting social justice, equality, equity, and building a discrimination-free society. As he noted, the message of best wishes from Prime Minister Sushila Karki on the same occasion states that the government stands with people with disabilities.

Election atmosphere has been built

Minister Kharel, who is also the government spokesperson, said that an atmosphere conducive to conducting the House of Representatives (HoR) election, announced for March 5, 2026, has already been created, and the government is moving ahead with preparations for the election.

He added that the government, which has a six-month tenure with the mandate to hold the election on March 5, is fully committed to fulfilling this responsibility. Along with this, the government is working to promote good governance and combat corruption.

President of the National Federation of the Disabled, Devi Datta Acharya, drew the government’s attention to building disabled-friendly structures and initiating policy reforms aimed at improving the rights of people with disabilities.

Prior to the programme, a morning rally was held. Minister Kharel led the rally, which originated from the local open theatre and converged into an assembly upon reaching Bhrikutimandap.

This year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” At the call of the United Nations, December 3 has been observed annually as IDPD since 1992.

Although Nepal’s constitution has guaranteed the rights of persons with disabilities, including dignity and access to public services and facilities, practical implementation still remains lacking, said stakeholders concerned.