Badhte Kadam campaign launched
Physically challenged people shouldn't be ill-treated : CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 19 2010: Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi today flagged off the Badhte Kadam- a nationwide awareness campaign for the rights of patients of mental retardation, mental illness, cerebral palsy and autism- at a function held at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre, Palace Compound Imphal.

The Chief Minister while flagging off the campaign assured that government will extend all assistance within the government's ambit to people with disabilities asserting that they too have the right to a life of decency.

Nobody wants to be a handicapped person.

They have every right to a proper life.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, Speaker in-Charge Th Lokeshwar and MLA E Suraj at the inauguration of Badhte Kadam campaign at BOAT

They should be allowed to live without any discrimination.

They should be encouraged morally, physically as well as financially and made to feel that they have all the rights to life, he said.

While exhorting the people with disabilities, Ibobi said that nothing is impossible if one desires to excel.

People will surely extend help when they come out to work with confidence.

He also promised monetary help in the construction of a community hall to be used for holding functions for the handicapped people.

He also asserted that the campaign is not only to make aware all sections of the people of the plight of handicapped people across the state, it will also boost the morale of all handicapped people.

Deputy Speaker of Manipur Assembly who is looking after the charge of Speaker, Th Lokeshwor presided the flagging-off function in which MLA E Suraj attended as guest of honour.

It was marked by an exhibition of paintings by handicapped people, and a musical concert to create awareness regarding various issues of disabilities including causes, identification, census, inclusive education, and special olympic sports.

The nationwide campaign of National trust, a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was launched on November 14 last and it will be conducted across eight districts of the state excluding Tamenglong district till November 26 .

The Spastic Society of Manipur is coordinating the campaign in the eight districts which would be conducted by the National Trust in collaboration with Manipur government.

Assam Rifles are also part of the caravan as a state partner.

"To bring a fresh new perspective that would help people with disability to live as one amongst us, with as much rights and responsibilities with some support is the main objective of the campaign," said Sushma Rajput, director Spastic Society of Manipur.

It is also related to the rights of people with disabilities as stated in the United Nation Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), she said.

Photo and poster exhibitions, display of aids and appliances used by disabled persons, simulation games, talent hunt, essay writing, art competition and signature campaigns are the main highlight of the caravan, the organizers said.

People with disabilities are also people who are a valuable part of the community.

They can study, play, bring joy to all and work much like people without disability.

They can work productivitely, contributing towards progress of the community.

As a community, everybody should ensure support to disabled persons, and provide equal opportunities by making appropriate changes in the environment.

Badhte Kadam seeks to achieve this change.

Imbued with positive joy the initiative raises awareness of disabled persons.

More specifically, the objective is to provide information on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which India is a signatory, and provide understanding of National Trust programmes and schemes, and tocelebrate diversity and strengths.

The campaign launched today in Imphal west will be visiting the seven others districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Senapati, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Ukhrul and in Jiribam of Imphal East district respectively on November 20,21,22,23,24,25 and 26 .