Awareness on 'Participation of people with disabilities in upcoming election' held
Source: The Sangai Express
Kamjong, November 13 2021:
An awareness programme on 'The right and importance of the participation of people with disabilities in upcoming election' was held on Friday at Leihpuram Village Community Hall in Kamjong district.
It was organised by Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation, Manipur in association with State Platform of Disabled People's Organisations (SPDPO), Manipur and Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur.
The programme was attended by Kh Manglemba, village level worker (VLW), Kamjong; Dr Sapam Jasowanta Singh, chairman HD Foundation, chief advisor SPDPO Manipur; David Hungyo, headman Kamjong Village; Moses Hungyo, chairman Kamjong Village; and Sailesh, Pastor LeihaOram Village Church as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, David Hungyo expressed his appreciation to the Election Commission of Manipur and disabilities organisations for conducting the awareness programme at the village.
He also informed that there are a number people in the village without Voter ID cards, disable persons without disability certificates and aged persons who are yet to receive any benefits from Old Age pension.
Dr Sapam Jasowanta Singh highlighted the difficulties faced by the people with disabilities in accessing their rights during elections and urged the public to get themselves registered as voters and for the disability certificate.
Md Yunus Khan, president SPDPO Manipur highlighted the need to spread awareness on RPWD Act 2016 to the public and mentioned that as per the 2011 census, out of the total 58,110 persons with disabilities only 8,000 persons have been registered as voters.
He further appealed to the Government to establish a separate Directorate Office and State Police for the people with disabilities.
Later, voter and UDID registration sessions were also conducted.