Schemes for mentally handicapped not properly implemented
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 04 2014: Disparity in providing benefits under various schemes to mentally handicapped persons in the State is being witnessed for a long time owing to laxity on the part of Manipur Government.

Different schemes are being taken up by the Government for the mentally retarded people in the State, but these schemes are not properly implemented, M Suvachandra, Councillor, Ward No-16, Imphal Municipal Council said while speaking at an annual sports prize distribution function organized by All Manipur Mentally Handicapped Persons Welfare Organisation (AMMHPWO) at Mongshangei Lai Leirak in Imphal West on Wednesday.

He said those mentally handicapped or physically challenged people who have attained the age of 18 are given the benefit of Indira Gandhi Pension Scheme and also the State Government provides them financial assistance.

But there is no fairness in giving these benefits to the physically challenged, the councilor said.

Besides these problems, the Urban Local Body (ULB) has existed only in name in the State, Suvachandra alleged while pointing out that this local administrative body has no power in selecting the right beneficiaries for the National Food Security Act.

The State Government has entrusted the responsibility of ULBs to Government Departments.

The same thing is happened with implementation of Public Distribution System (PDS), he said.

At the prize distribution ceremony, inmates of BB Paul Mental Development Home run by AMMHPWO displayed Yoga performances and also presented songs.

L Somorjit, Associate Professor, Head of Department, Botany, Imphal College, M Nungshirei Devi, Pradhan, Khongman Gram Panchayat, Imphal East and RK Pramo Shija Devi, president AMMHPWO shared the dais on the occasion.

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