International Day for Persons with Disabilities observed across State
SHILLONG: Moving a step ahead in helping people with disabilities, the Director of Social Welfare H.M. Shangpliang informed that the disability certificate could now be applied online.
The good news was accepted with cheer by the disabled people as they no longer would have to wait in long queues to apply for the certificate.
This was announced by Shangpliang on observation of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organized by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Society for Transforming Educational, Cultural and Social objectives at Don Bosco Youth Centre.
Commenting on the online application announcement, Carmo Noronha, Executive Director, Bethany Society said that the news showed a progress as the people could now gain greater accessibility.
“The issue of accessibility is the need of the hour, the people with disabilities need accessibility and the online application is good,” Noronha added.
“The condition of the people with disabilities is improving from the individual and the medical realm, but there will be an overall improvement when the society’s perception towards the people is changed”, this was observed by Noronha.
Roshan Warjri, Home Minister, in her speech as Chief Guest at the inaugural function, said that creating awareness has helped in sensitizing the issue of disabilities.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Social Welfare Department, Justine Dkhar distributed aids and appliances to the disabled persons.
She urged the people with disabilities to come mainstream and lauded Helen Giri for employing people with disabilities saying, “She is an inspiration.”
Meanwhile, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was also observed in other parts of the state. In Tura the programme was held at Monfort Centre for Education, Danakgre, where West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tura, Sabrella Marak graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Officers of other line departments, differently abled students and parents from all the blocks of the District participated in the programme organized by the District Administration in collaboration with Monfort Centre for Education.
During the programme, the DDRC conducted assessment camp for the persons with disabilities while Employment Exchange office helped them to register their names for employment for those fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
In East Jaintia Hills, Khliehriat, the World Disabled Day was observed at Khliehriat West Community Hall, East Jaintia Hills. The programme started with the Health Check-up by Dr. A. Langstang, Medical and Health Officer of Khliehriat C.H.C followed by sports and games for the Physically Challenged of different age groups.
In Mawsynram, the programme was held at Madan Shad Seng Khasi, Dongrum, Mawsynram. The programme was organized by the District Social Welfare office, East Khasi Hills in collaboration with SSA, SRD/DRC, Civil Hospital, Shillong, All Mawsynram Development Council.
H. M. Shangpliang, Director, Social Welfare Department graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Additional District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills, S. S. Syiemlieh as Guest of Honour.
A talent show was also organized where differently abled persons participated. During the day, blankets, crutches, white-canes and CM’s Social Assistance Scheme were also distributed to the differently abled persons by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour.
In Jowai, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Jowai observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Iungwalieh Durbar Shnong, Dulong, Jowai under the theme “Inclusion matters access and empowerment for people of all abilities” where MDC, Moonlight Pariat graced the occasion as Chief Guest.