Call for basic rights to the differently-abled

SHILLONG: V Lyngdoh’s story is an inspiration for all who are considered physically weak and incapable of achieving what a ‘normal’ person would do.
Lyngdoh, one of the special children who completed her masters in English from NEHU, informed the audience about her experience. “My experience in school, college and university made me stronger,” she said, adding that she lost hope on many occasions but she did not fall.
Lyngdoh is the first visually impaired youth who has completed masters from a regular university. “Education is the fundamental right of all and please provide opportunity for education to all,” she said.
The differently-abled have the power to contribute to the development of the nation provided they get the right kind of support, said the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department on Saturday.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of International Day for Persons with Disabilities here on Saturday, Health Additional Chief Secretary Y. Tsering said the Government is doing its bit to provide assistance to the differently-abled persons in terms of vocational training, 3 per cent job reservation and social scheme but more needs to be done. Tsering stressed on the need to celebrate the day even in rural areas for awareness.
H. Marwein, Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, said, “PWDs (people with disabilities) require a chance and not pity  to be as normal as others. There are 44,317 PWDs in the State, of which around 37,000 are in rural areas.”
Marwein also called for making government websites PWD-friendly.
On the constitutional rights of the differently-abled, the extra assistant commissioner in charge of elections in East Khasi Hills, T Marak, said the Deputy Commissioner’s office is focusing on special voters in the current enrolment drive by organising special drives.
She further said around 1,000 special voters have been enrolled in the district alone.
Students of Martin Luther Christian University presented a beautiful skit about the discrimination which a PWD has to undergo besides the students of Monfort Centre for Education, Tura also made a beautiful presentation. Students of Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre from Ri Bhoi also presented a colourful programme on the occasion.