PwDs exhorted to demand, exercise their rights
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, December 03 2021: Joining the rest of the world, Senapati Disabled People's Association, Manipur (SDPAM) in collaboration with District Social Welfare, Senapati, Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA) and District Legal Services Authority, Senapati (DLSA) observed International Day for People with Disabilities at SDPAM Conference Hall, Senapati on Friday.

The programme was held under the theme "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-Covid-19 world" .

The event was attended by Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhari, DC, Senapati as chief guest and Tholu Rocky, Addl SP (L&O) as guest of honour.

JK Makabo, District Social Welfare Officer, Senapati; Peter Rangnamei, director MANEDA; Koshia Mao, Addl PP to District & Sessions Court, Senapati and A David Mao, president SDPAM were also present among other dignitaries.

JK Makabo stated that the International Day for People with Disabilities being observed every year on December 3 aims to increase awareness and understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The nomination and celebration of this day is an important tool in promoting the rights of people with disabilities.

Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, peace and security.

It is also central to the promise of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development to leave no one behind, JK Makabo added.

The DSWO was glad to see a large number of gathering in spite of Covid-19 fear.

The office for SDPAM was reportedly constructed during Jacintha Lazarus' tenure as the DC of Senapati.

Land allotment was made when Athem Muivah was the DC.

Makabo also disclosed his plan to construct a library and gym room, especially for differently-abled persons in future.

Peter Rangnamei, in his speech, thanked the former and present DCs of Senapati for understanding the need of people of the district.

The MANEDA director expressed surprise that only 58 disabled people have been enrolled in the electoral roll in Senapati district.

In a democratic country, funds and money come only with appropriate numbers of beneficiaries enrolled for any particular scheme.

The government has lots of schemes for different sections of the society including the disabled.

Earlier, there were just 7 types of disabilities entitled to enjoy government schemes, but now there are 23 types of disabilities eligible for government schemes approved by the world provided one is included in the census, Peter explained, while asking the disabled people to approach the government officials and share their grievances and speak lip for their rights.

N Suresh Singh, SDO Willong, spoke on ethical voting under SVEEP campaign.

He advised the disabled people to opt for postal ballot if one cannot go and vote.

The SDO asserted that every sincere vote is a stepping stone for democracy and ethical voting is the right of every citizen as he asked all to exercise voting right to benefit all.

While urging all not to go for unethical vote, N Suresh called for a united fight against illegal practices during elections in order to elect the right candidate for a better tomorrow in the coming 2022 state assembly election.

Speaking at the event Addl SP Tholu Rocky noted that gone were the days when people with different abilities were ignored or treated as inferior and advised the differently-abled people not to feel they are any less important as many people with disabilities had brought laurels to the country in the recently concluded Paralympics.

The police officer asked all to encourage them in whatever talent God has blessed them so that they could excel in future.

Speaking as the chief guest, Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhari pointed out that if one doesn't think and act as disabled all are not disabled but differently able persons.

The DC recalled related stories of a blind candidate who became an IAS officer and other physically challenged people who excelled in their talents.

Mahesh Hiralal assured of making a ramp from the main road to the office of SDPAM.

He then urged all members of the association to enrol in the electoral roll and exercise their ethical voting rights while asking them to come forward assuring assistance under schemes available for them.

The DC also advised them to use their abilities in outstanding ways, promising that the district administration is ready to help.

He then distributed disability certificates to 4 children under different categories.

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