International Day of Persons with Disabilities : Mela dedicated to items from disabled persons
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 03 2013: Distribution of aids and appliances, inauguration of Winter Mela (Fair) for exclusive display of items produced by physically challenged persons, calls for understanding and assistance, and assurances for specific Government policies for the differently abled marked observance functions of the International Day for Persons With Disabilities held today in the State.

Among other places, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Imphal West and Handicapped Development Foundation, Manipur observed the international event as ZEO-I Office, Khoyathong and Manipur Press Club respectively.

At Khuman Lampak Kangshang where observance of the global event was organised by Social Welfare Department, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai announced a number of projects/schemes being planned by the State Government for the differently abled persons even as Konthoujam AC MLA k Sharat speaking at another event organised by an NGO reminded the State authorities that any complaint by persons with disabilities testify lack of Government commitment towards their welfare.

A wheelchair being donated at observance function of International Day for Persons With Disabilities

With apparent reference to periodical functions for distribution of aids and appliances to persons with disabilities, Minister Mirabai said the Government has been implementing a number of projects to mitigate inconveniences endured by these less fortunate member of the society.

Noting that inspite of certain limitations people with disabilities have talent in diverse fields, she called upon the parents and NGOs to help differently abled people hone their talents.

Announcing a number of upcoming schemes for them, Mirabai said process for obtaining disability certificates would be eased along with additional 20 minutes provision while appearing in competitive examinations.

Plans are also afoot to enable persons with disabilities continue enjoying scheme facility even after their marriage to normal persons, make 3 percent job reservation and construction of hostels in each of the 60 assembly constituencies, said the Minister who conceded that official procedures for appointing Commissioner (Disabilities) had to be delayed as candidate fit for the designation has been elusive.

Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) Barun Mitra and Director (SW) L Ibobi Singh were the president and guest of honour respectively.

The observance held this year under the theme "Break Barriers, Open Doors: For an inclusive society for all", was also held at Leimayol Art Centre, Singjamei Chinga Makha with MLA K Sharat Singh and father of handicapped L Nabakishor Singh as the chief guest and president respectively.

IMC Ward No 16 Councillor M Suvaschandra and MU's Senior Visiting Fellow (Geography) RK Ranjan were the guests of honour of the observance function organised by All Manipur Disabled and Handicapped Persons' Development Agency.

Advising all concerned against indiscretion towards people with disabilities, the chief guest said instead of ignoring their presence every section of the society, particular NGOs need to extend all possible assistance to make them independent and live a respectable life.

Drawing attention of the Government for launching and judicious implementation of welfare schemes for people with disabilities, the MLA exuded confidence that with proper guidance they too can excel in their chosen profession.

Any sign of indifference against people with disabilities would be construed as Government insensitivity towards their suffering, he maintained.

Meanwhile, a three-day Winter Mela jointly organised by Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Life Line Trust Centre, Handicapped Welfare Society, Leima Leiteng (Tera Lukram Leirak) and Chaokhat Khongthang SHGs for Handicapped Persons got underway at Tera Primary School campus.

The fair organised to commemorate observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities has a total of 20 stalls wherein handloom and handicraft items made by differently abled people are being put up for display as well as for sale.

Speaking at the fair inauguration function, Relief Centre president Ch Opendro Singh conveying serious concerned on atrocities, such as outraging modesty, committed against physically or mentally challenged persons called upon every section of the society to prevent recurrence of such unwanted incidents in the State.

Stating that mere observance of commemorative events cannot ameliorate suffering of people with disabilities, he strongly proposed that representatives of differently abled persons be included at the time of working out policy/programme for this less fortunate section of the society.

The fact that many disabled persons or their families are not yet covered under the PDS programme is highly regrettable, said the president who nevertheless opined that people with disabilities should not feel disheartened as they too are talented enough to earn a respectable livelihood.

Manidco Managing Director N Joykumar Singh; BDO, Imphal West Extension Officer I Rama and social worker Philem Pakchao also attended the inauguration programme as the presidium members.