Call for breaking barriers marks International Day of PWDs
Government to upgrade welfare schemes for disabled people: Mirabai
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 03 2013: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed by various Government and non-Governmental organizations in the State under the theme "Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an Inclusive Society for All" today.

The state-level observance was organized by Social Welfare Department at Khuman Lampak Kangshang here with Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai as Chief Guest and Principal Secretary of Social Welfare Barun Mitra as President, while Director of Social Welfare Department L Ibobi as Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister AK Mirabai said that the Government would soon upgrade the welfare schemes for persons with disabilities.

They would be given proper care and guidance by Social Welfare Department to make them lead a normal life.

She further said that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed worldwide to motivate the persons with disabilities to live like normal beings and make significant contributions to the society.

Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai handing over a tri-cycle to a disabled person during the observance of International Day for PWDs at Khuman Lampak

The Social Welfare Department would also chalk out ways to expedite the process for issuing disability certificate to the disabled people.

A hostel at Home for Blind located at Takyelpat would also be constructed along with appointment of a Commissioner for Disability, Minister noted.

Mirabai also appealed to the Government officials and volunteers of NGOs to work sincerely for the disabled people and render full cooperation in delivering various welfare schemes to them.

Wheel-chairs, tri-cycles, white canes and other aids were also distributed to persons with disabilities during the observance.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities was also observed by Handicapped Development Foundation at Manipur Press Club with Employment Officer of Imphal West Ng Ibothoi, President of Zeliangrong Union Amu Kamei, President of AMWJU Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, President of AMUCO Dr Y Mani Khuman, President of UCM Y Nabachandra and Chairperson of Handicapped Development Foundation Dr Ch Rupachandra as presidium members.

During the observance, Dr Sapam Jasowanta, secretary general, Handicapped Development Foundation pointed out that more than 27,500 people in Manipur were recorded under disabled category according to 2001 census which means that with more disabled persons, the problems faced by the category increases.

Giving the keynote address, Jasowanta went on to say that there are no boundaries to which disabled persons cannot reach provided they are given the due respect and scope to carry out their ways.

He urged the people of the state to reach out and help the weaker sections as much as possible so that any discrimination which exists can be completely uprooted giving the people peaceful and easy lives.

Speaking at the function, Wangkhemcha Shamjai urged the people of the state to help the differently abled persons who are already contributing to the society in various forms so that the section can contribute more towards development.

Even though the government of the state has not yet been able to comply fully with the demands of the handicapped persons, any possible help would be provided, he maintained.

All Manipur Disabled and Handicapped Persons Development Agency, Manipur also observed the day at Leimayol Art Centre, Chingamakha with MLA of Konthoujam A/C K Sarat, Padmashree L Nabakishore, Vice-President of AMUCO W Gojendro, Senior Visiting Fellow of Manipur University Dr RK Ranjan and Councillor of IMC Ward No.16 M Suvashchandra as presidium members.

Zonal Education Office/District project Office, Sarva Shikshya Abhiyan, Imphal West also observed the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at ZEO Office, Khoyathong.

The observance was attended by Chairperson of IMC A Nimai Sharma as Chief Guest and Gymnastic Coach Pheiroijam Kripa as Persident, while ex-Councillor of IMC Ch Joykumar and child rights activist keisham Pradipkumar attended as Guests of Honour.

Meanwhile, a three-day mela for disabled people was inaugurated at Tera Primary School in connection with the observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities here today.

The mela is being organized jointly by Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Life Line Trust Centre, Handicapped Welfare Society, Leima Leitang Tera Lukram Leirak and Chaokhat Khongthang SHG for Handicapped Persons.