Our Reporter
Dimapur, Dec. 3 (EMN): Joining the rest of the world, Nagaland observed International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) on December 3. To mark the day, District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) organised ‘micro empowerment camp’ for persons with disabilities in different district headquarters, in which beneficiaries were registered for unique disability identity card (UDID). Other activities included issue of disability certificate, registration for disability certificate, legal aid/ assistance and sensitisation on various welfare schemes.
In Dimapur, a mega programme was held at the Chapel hall of District Hospital Dimapur organised by Dimapur District Legal services Authority (DDLSA), in collaboration with the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Medical Superintendent District Hospital, department of Social Welfare and Exodus Federation.
Delivering the keynote address, chief judicial magistrate and DDLSA secretary, Ajongba Imchen stated that Nagaland as a community still has many things to do for the uplift of the disabled persons. Imchen lamented that the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 passed by the Parliament of India in 2016 has still not being implemented in the state.
Terming the Act as the “absolute rights” for PwDs, Imchen desired that the state government looked into the matter and ensure PwDs enjoy their rights with dignity and respect. He also pointed out that majority of the BPL card holders are the rich people who knowingly take away the very scheme for themselves.
“You will find only the luxurious cars coming at the community halls to collect the free rations which was meant for the extremely poor people,” stated Imchen.
Acknowledging to the many problems already afflicting the Naga society, he asked as to how the people as a human companion are treating them.
Deputy commissioner, Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, who also spoke at the event, assured working together to safeguard, protect and ensure the rights of the disabled community.
“You have all the rights just as we are,” said Khinchi. He added that the community as a whole has to work together saying, “only when a disabled person is independent, we can say our society is going forward.”
The deputy commissioner also said that he has a plan to organise a camp and give trainings to PwDs in Dimapur so that they can also participate for (disabled) Olympic in the coming years.
Encouraging the PwDs gathered at the programme, he said “people are going to Mt. Everest with artificial limps, likewise, you are nothing less. We can do anything in our life, do not lose hope.”
The formal programme was followed with distribution of disability certificates/ unique disability ID card etc after thorough examination by the medical board. A total of 70 persons with disabilities were benefited from the mega camp.
Wokha: In Wokha, deputy commissioner, Orenthung Lotha delivered the inaugural address, while Khrievono Seletsu, WDLSA secretary, delivered the keynote address and Akihoto, state coordinator for UDID project from Social Welfare department, highlighted on the benefits and importance of UDID.
Erenbeni Kikon, senior supervisor of Social Welfare, elaborated on the various welfare schemes for persons with disabilities, while Wonchano E Enny, WWO, DLCW, introduced the BPBP, MSK.
Blankets were also distributed to the beneficiaries.
Mon: International Day of Person with Disability was observed in Mon with the deputy commissioner, Mon, Thavaseelan K as the special guest.
Significance of the day was delivered by Haizu Meru, ADC Mon, while N Mannon, MDLSA project assistant, spoke on affirmative action for differently abled person, followed with distribution of gift to participants.
Phek: World disability day in Phek was observed at District Hospital Phek. Cheliam Khiamniungan, PDLSA secretary, said the day is observed as a mark to respect and support the disabled persons and accept them by recognising their achievements and contribution to the society.
The beneficiaries were identified by the PLVs of PDLSA. Altogether, six beneficiaries were benefited and some were
referred for further treatment by specialised doctors. Gifts were distributed to the disabled persons.
Longleng: International Day of Disabled Persons in Longleng was held at Bhumnyu village council hall with the participation of village elders, GBs and village council.
P Monyei Phom, panel lawyer, briefed on the significance of the day and presented topic on Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 and Hamnyei Angh, PA, spoke on the schemes for disability persons under NSLSA.
Para legal volunteers assisted by project assistant and panel lawyers identified around 10 beneficiary for issuing disability certificate.
Peren: World disability day in Peren was observed at Peren town hall with the participation of about 20 beneficiaries. Isapheing from the district welfare office, Peren, had highlighted about the welfare schemes available to the disable persons under the Social Welfare department.
The Medical department also issued the unique identification for disable persons and conducted medical examination.
Kohima: World disability day in Kohima was organised in collaboration with the Naga Bazaar Disabilities People Organisation. Topic on legal aid and legal services was presented by Mhayani Kikon, KDLSA panel lawyer. Kikon also briefed on the importance of legal services authority.
Topic on rights of persons with disability Act, 2016 was presented by Apila Sangtam, KDLSA panel lawyer. Sangtam also spoke on the rights of disabilities and its schemes. A total of 20 persons attended the programme.
Tuensang: Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA), Social Welfare and Medical departments have jointly observed the world disability day at Tuensang town hall.
Doctors from District Hospital Tuensang, representatives from Social Welfare department also attended the programme. A total of 58 disabled persons were issued disability certificates.
