MoS Pratima stresses on empowerment of PwDs
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Bishnupur, July 31 2022: Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhoumik on Sunday attended the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir - Distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices for Divyangjan & Senior Citizens belonging to BPL Category under ADIP & Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The 'Shivir' held at Kyamba Ningshing Shanglen was jointly organised by Bishnupur district administration, Social Welfare Department and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) .

MoS Pratima stresses on empowerment of PwDs

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, Education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh and Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo Singh attended the function as guests of honour while Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, Oinam MLA Irengbam Nalini Devi, Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti Singh and Kumbi MLA Sanasam Premchanda Singh were special invitees.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, MoS Pratima Bhoumik informed that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) has implemented various welfare schemes for developing an inclusive society and for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

The MoS also informed that RIMS, Imphal is one of the MSJE empanelled hospitals where children with severe to profound hearing loss can avail Cochlear Implant Surgery free of cost under the ADIP Scheme.

Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by MSJE under Accessible India Campaign, she mentioned that steps are underway to make around 28 government office buildings in the state accessible and disable-friendly.

MSJE is also implementing Unique Disability ID for Persons with Disabilities (UDID) for ease of delivering government benefits to persons with disabilities and ensuring uniformity, she added.

As a part of the programme, a total of 5706 Aids and Assistive Devices valued at Rs 129.98 lakh were distributed free of cost to 'Divyangjan' and Senior Citizens belonging to BPL Category under ADIP and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojanan (RVY) Schemes of the Ministry.

It may be mentioned that assessment camps for ADIP and RVY schemes were conducted in the district from December 24 to 30 last year and May 19 to 21 this year.

ALIMCO, a Public Sector Undertaking under the aegis of the ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is the Nodal Agency for implementation of ADIP Scheme and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojna of Government of India.

The aids and appliances distributed include 8 tricycles, 827 Folding Wheel chairs, 16 CP chairs, 316 crutches, 849 Walking Sticks, 25 Smart Canes, 24 Smart Phones, 41 Braille Kit, 628 BTE (Hearing Aid Machine), 50 Walkers, 953 Knee Braces, 110 Cervical Collar, 235 Dentures, 402 Spectacles, 99 Foot Care Unit, 87 Spinal Support among others.

Special mention may be made that a dedicated sign language interpreter was deployed during the function in the true spirit of inclusiveness and accessible India campaign.

Other dignitaries attending the distribution camp include additional chief secretary (Social Welfare) P Vaiphei, Bishnupur DC Lourembam Bikram, SP N Herojit, Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam, officials of district administration, Social Welfare Department and functionaries of ALIMCO.