SW Dept seeks inputs on disability policy
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 06 2022:
Informing that the state government is formulating a policy for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Social Welfare director Ng Uttam has invited suggestions from the public with regard to the policy before a formal meeting on the same is convened.
A one-day disability awareness programme for minorities was organised by Indigenous Minorities Socio Cultural Or ganisation Manipur (IMSCOM) at Manipur Press Club, here, on Thursday.
Speaking as chief guest of the programme, Ng Uttam recounted that the Rights of Person with Disability Act, 2016 was enacted in 2016 .
The same was also published in the Manipur Gazette along with a set of rules catering to the state.
Meanwhile, a PIL is being heard at the Supreme Court to ascertain how the Act has been implemented in the states and union territories (UTs) .
The Central government has also sought action reports from the states and UTs in this regard, he conveyed.
In Manipur's context, the Act has been implemented but there are some areas yet to be covered.
On Wednesday, the additional CS of Social Welfare chaired a meeting with top officials of the department at the Secretariat.
Although the department is the nodal department, the cooperation of other departments is necessary for 100 per cent implementation of the Act.
However, most departments lack proper knowledge of the Act, which in turn is delaying complete implementation of the same, the director stated.
Uttam continued that in the pre-Act period, there was only 3 percent reservation for PwDs in Higher Education, which has now been increased to 5 per cent post-Act.
An order on the same will soon be notified by the Department, he said, adding that all colleges and universities will follow the 5 per cent quota reservation, even if it has not been mentioned in the admission notices.
On the other hand, the Revenue Department has been urged to increase the quota for PwDs from 3 per cent to 5 per cent while taking up the scheme for providing land to the landless.
On top of this, all departments which would be taking up livelihood support schemes have been urged to increase the quota for PwDs to 5 percent, as stated in the Act, he said, while adding that the quota for PwDs with regard to job recruitments is 4 percent.
The director further said that all government buildings should be made accessible to PwDs.
Installation of a ramp does not mean that it has been made accessible.
As such, a proposal which was forwarded to the central government to transform 28 government buildings to make it accessible to PwDs, had been sanctioned last year.
Although the Social Welfare Department was not included in the first phase, it will be made accessible for PwDs.
Presently, the works at the 28 government departments are being carried out speedily.
In addition, the CMgi Sotharaba Singi Tengbang provides a monthly support of Rs 1500 to those with over 80 percent disability, while for those with 40-79 per cent disability, it has been declared that they will receive Rs 500 per month.
All relevant documents for this have been submitted to the government.
Once the government approves, a notice will be issued, he said, while adding that hearing impaired, who were earlier denied benefits, will be able to avail the benefits from this time onwards.
Presided over by IMSCOM president Momsokam Bupui, the programme was also attended by social worker Bojesh Kom as guest of honour and Welfare Association for the Blind general secretary Konsam Sadananda as resource person.