Aids distributed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Imphal, July 31 2022: Samajik Adhikarita Shivir - distribution of aids and assistive devices for divyangjan & senior citizens belonging to BPL category was held today at Kyamba Ningshing Shanglen in Bishnupur.

The programme jointly organised by the Dist Admn, Social Welfare Dept and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) was attended by MoS for Social Justice Pratima Bhoumik.

Pratima Bhoumik said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) has implemented various welfare schemes for developing an inclusive society and for the empowerment ofPersons with Disabilities.

The MoS also informed that RIMS Imphal is one of the MSJE empanelled hospitals where children with severe to profound hearing loss can avail Cochlear Implant Surgery free of cost under ADIP Scheme.

Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by MSJE under Accessible India Campaign, she mentioned that steps are underway to make around 28 government office buildings in the State accessible and disablefriendly.

MSJE is also implementing Unique Disability ID for Persons with Disabilities (UDID) for ease of delivering Government benefits to persons with disabilities and ensuring uniformity, the MoS added.

In the distribution camp, a total of 5706 Aids and Assistive Devices valued at 129.98 lakh rupees were distributed free of cost to 'Divyangjan' and Senior Citizens belonging to BPL Category under ADIP and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojanan (RVY) Schemes, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).

It may be mentioned that assessment camps for ADIP and RVY Schemes were conducted in the district during December 24 to 30 last year and May 19 and 21 of this year.

The aids and appliances distributed today include 8 tricycles, 827 folding wheel chairs, 16 CP chairs, 316 crutches, 849 walking sticks, 25 smart canes, 24 smartphones, 41 braille kit, 628 BTE (Hearing Aid Machine), 50 walkers, 953 knee braces, 110 cervical collar, 235 dentures, 402 spectacles, 99 foot care unit, 87 spinal support among others.

Special mention may be made that a dedicated sign language interpreter was deployed during the function in the true spirit of inclusiveness and accessible India campaign.

Public Works Department, Youth Affairs and Sports, Minister Govindas Konthoujam; Education, Law & Legislative Affairs, Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh; and Social Welfare, Minister Heikham Dingo Singh; Thanga AC MLA Shri Tongbram Robindro Singh; Oinam MLA Irengbam Nalini Devi; Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti Singh and Kumbi MLA Sanasam Premchanda Singh attended the programme.

Other dignitaries attending the distribution camp include P Vaiphei, Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare), Lourembam Bikram, DC Bishnupur, N Herojit, SP Bishnupur, Ngangom Uttam, Director, Social Welfare, officials of District Administration Bishnupur, Social Welfare Department and functionaries of ALIMCO.

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