Imphal, December 03 2009: As in other parts of the globe, World Disabilities Day was observed by various organisations in different parts of the State today.

Talent shows by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and recognising their contribution to the society marked the observance held under the theme of 'Celebrating Abilities'.

At Ghari here, Spastic Society of Manipur observed the day with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest and Education Minister L Jayantakumar Singh as president.

Commissioner of Education PK Singh and Director of Education M Harekrishna Singh were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Delivering the key note address, general secretary of the Society L Tokendra Ricky pointed out that the main objective behind the observance is to encourage PWDs and understand their problems and issues.

He also stressed on private public partnership (PPP) model for the welfare of PWDs.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh observed that instead of neglecting PWDs, we should help them in honing their god given talent and parents of PWDs have no reason to be disappointed.

Stating that disability is one of the global issues, the Chief Minister pointed out that to prevent a child from developing disabilities care should be taken right from the stage of conception and after birth necessary immunisation should be given in time.

Calling upon the people to take the benefits of the various National programmes being implemented to prevent disabilities, the Chief Minister informed that the directive of the Supreme Court as well as the provision of the Disabilities Act for ensuring 3 percent reservation to PWDs at the time of job recruitment and admission to educational institutions have been started implementing in the State.

However, as it is essential for a committee to look into the matter related to reservation of seats in job recruitment, a committee would be soon constituted to do the needful, the Chief Minister assured.

Touching upon the PPP model for the welfare of PWDs which was proposed in the key note address, the Chief Minister admitted that PPP model is now essential for development in every aspect as achieving something with the efforts of the Government alone is not possible.

The Government of Manipur is considering setting up of special employment exchange and rehabilitation centres for PWDs, he added.

In his presidential address, Education Minister L Jayantakumar called for collective efforts in ensuring integration of PWDs in the society and observed that proper channelisation of the potentials and resources of the PWDs is necessary in this regard.

As part of the observance, an 'Ability mela' and a painting competition for PWDs were also organised apart from felicitating disabled sports persons.

Rural Educational and Social Development Organisation (RESEDO), Thanga observed the day as World Disable Day at Ideal School ground, Thanga Khoirom hill with Chief Whip of the Government Tongbram Mangibabu Singh as chief guest and Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur K Panmei, IAS as functional president.

Retired lecturer & social activist Haobijam Kula Singh, retired Joint Director of Adult Education Oinam Yaima Sing, retired Zonal Education Officer and National awardee N Chaoba Singh and District Social Welfare Officer of Bishnupur Laishram Ibomcha Singh were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

To mark the event, blankets were presented to around 100 PWDs who have come from different parts of Bishnupur district.

Handicap Welfare Association, Manipur State, JN Hospital Road, District Disability Rehabilitation Centre, JN Hospital and All Manipur Mentally Handicap Persons' Welfare Organisations also observed World Disable Day at GM Hall, JN Hospital and Mongsangei respectively.

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