SWD clarifies media reports on orphaned siblings
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 05 2024: Social Welfare Department on Sunday issued a press release clarifying report by a local cable TV network regarding two orphaned brothers with disabilities, who are reportedly living in a miserable condition without access to any disability benefits.

In response to a news item in a local cable TV about two orphan brothers with disabilities from Mayai Leikai, Imphal West district, living in a miserable condition without any benefits meant for persons with disabilities, the department clarified that a joint team of officials from the Directorate and District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), Imphal West visited Khwairakpam Sovet Singh on July 29, 2024 at around 2 pm.

Sovet has obtained a disability certificate during the month of June, 2024 under UDID Project with 80% of disability under Cerebral Palsy category, but he has not applied for any scheme like CMST.

On Sunday, the team of official from DSWO, Imphal West also transported Khwairakpam Japan Singh to JNIMS OPD for assessment and submitted the assessment report to CMO Imphal West.

A disability certificate will be generated from CMO Imphal West soon.

During the assessment, it is known that Japan is also suffering from 82% of disability under locomotor disability category and he will also be eligible for Care Giver Allowance under CMST, it further explained.

The social welfare department then informed it had already provided one tricycle and a pair of auxiliary crutches to Khwairakpam Sovet Singh, son of late Kh Bilati Singh during 2018-19 .

He and his brother had not applied to the department for such aids and appliances or for financial assistance under CMST-Caregiver allowance, it continued.

The visiting team provided one motorized tricycle (sponsored by Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of PwDs, Takyelpat) and one pair of auxiliary crutches free of cost for their use.

Also, Sovet and Japan were informed during the official visit that they are eligible for a Care Giver Allowance of Rs 1500 per month for lifetime under CMST Scheme, the department further said.

It then informed anybody who wants the benefit(s) for persons with disabilities to get a disability certificate under UDID Project from chief medical officer (CMO) concerned or JNIMS or RIMS.

To be eligible for benefits under any relevant scheme, one must submit an application to the Disability Cell, Directorate Office, Social Welfare Department, Manipur, or the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), the department added.

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