State has over 58,000 PwDs, only 1,000 receive aid: Dr Jasowanta
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 23 2026:
Over 58,000 persons with disabilities (PwDs) live in Manipur, yet only about 1,000 receive Government assistance, largely because families conceal their disabled members out of fear of societal stigma.
Dr Sapam Jasowant, a Board Member of the National Trust under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, highlighted this gap during an event organised by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur on Saturday to mark World Down Syndrome Day at BB Paul Mental Home in Mongshangei.
Dr Jasowanta emphasized that hiding PwDs is not an appropriate action and called for efforts to integrate them into society so they can contribute like anyone else.
The event, themed "Together Against Loneliness", was attended by dignitaries, including W Birahari, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; I Dhaneshwor, Deputy Director (Disability), Social Welfare Department; and Mosses, Legal Consultant, Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
The programme also featured performances by the children of the home.




