Share
Our Correspondent
Imphal, Dec 3 (EMN): The International Day for Persons with Disability was widely observed in Manipur on Sunday Dec. 3.The main state level function was held at the Indoor Stadium of Khuman Lampak sports complex here with the state Chief Minister N Biren Singh as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Singh reiterated that the new BJP-led government is committed to deliver human service to the people of the state and there is no such religion which is higher or above humanity or human service.
Stating that the new government is trying to reduce the hill-valley, he said the government does not incline or belong to a particular section of society or community and discriminate any community living in the state.
Mentioning about those parents who are living in the old-aged homes, Singh said that a certain amount as maintenance fund would be deducted from the Government employee who discriminate, ill treat their parents and doesn’t allow their parents to live at their homes.
The CM also launched “Chief Minister-gi Shotharabasingi Tengbang” (CMST),a state government scheme to facilitate their vital and meaningful participation in contributing towards the creation of socio-economic wealth and overall welfare of the state and also to provide quality of life to the persons with disabilities and to bring inclusive development in the state besides empowering the marginalised ones. He also assured new schemes/initiatives for the children living in orphan homes soon.
In the day’s observation, Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar said ‘the day is indeed a historic day and it is a path breaking moment to launch such unique scheme for the welfare of the persons with disabilities in the state’. Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen mentioned that there are certain challenges such as lack of awareness, challenges of inter-sectorial co-ordination to name a few in proper implementing various social welfare schemes in the State.
The new scheme includes Care-Giver allowances/Maintenance Grant to Persons with disability having a disability of 80% or more would be provided with Rs. 1,500/- per month. The beneficiaries will also be covered under “Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme for PwD”, where the state government will provide the mandatory beneficiary contribution of Rs. 366 per annum, which will provide a health insurance cover of Rs. 2 lac to four members of a family and OPD charges.
The persons with disabilities in the age group of 19-59 years who can work would be provided with soft loans to take up economically viable employment opportunities and self-employment through Manipur Society for Skill Development. It also includes a Scholarship scheme to students with Disabilities.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar,Works and Information and Public Relations Minister Th Biswajit Singh, Minister for Health and Family Welfare L Jayantakumar Singh, Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution Minister Karam Shyam, Tribal and Hill Areas Development Minister N Kayasii, Public health and engineering minister Losii Dikho, Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian, MLAs Dr S Ranjan, Khashim Vashum, Chief Secretary RR Rashmi, Additional Chief Secretary Dr Suhel Akhtar, Commissioner Social Welfare H Dileep Singh, Director Social Welfare Jacintha Lazarus and other officials also attended the observation.