Aids, assistive devices distributed
Tura/SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Saturday acknowledged that the celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was a display of true convergence and expressed his deep sense of gratitude to the partners, several government organisations and banks for coming together to aggregate their resources for the cause of differently-abled people.
The chief minister was participating in the celebration at Montfort Centre of Education, Tura, where 191 beneficiaries from across Garo Hills who had undergone assessment in October last where provided with aids and assistive devices like wheel chairs, smart canes, smart phones and hearing aids worth Rs. 16 lakh free of cost, organised by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment under ADIP scheme.
The chief minister said that these aids and assistive devices were meant to physically empower the physically challenged people and called upon all agencies and partners concerned to work harder to so that the devices reach down to the last of the targeted population.
As such, he was of the view that even as the government makes several schemes to empower the neglected sections of the society, there was a need for greater mobilisation , because when the targeted people are not enlightened they would never be able to enjoy the benefits of such programmes.
He also made an earnest appeal to the partners to take advantage of the Chief Minister’s Career Guidance & Counseling Programme which is inclusive, diverse and flexible, for skilling the PWDs, adding that “when these people are empowered, they will no longer require any support from the government”.
The chief minister also expressed concern over high incidents of congenital defects among the tribals, saying there was need to find actual cause and scientific answer to deal with such physical defects.
He was of the view that these birth defects may invariably caused due to rampant use of unprescribed, over- the-counter medications during pregnancy and called for aggressive awareness campaign by medical practitioners discouraging such practices.
Stating that the use of nomenclature for the PWDs remains an issue of debate and discussion,Sangma said he preferred to call them as “special friends” and said that this celebration reminded all leaders of their duty to respond to the needs of these special category people.
The message from Rajya Sabha MP, Wansuk Syiem, who has been instrumental in driving this scheme in the State was read out by her Liaison Officer, L.N. Jyrwa on the occasion.
All speakers during the celebration, including, South Tura Legislator John Leslee K. Sangma, Bishop of Tura, Rt. Rev. Andrew R. Marak and Deputy Commissioner, Tura, Pravin Bakshi, deliberated on the significance of the celebration and the importance of the specially-abled people in the society. Director, of Montfort Centre for Education, Br. K.J. Jose and S. Sengupta of ALIMCO were among others who also spoke on the occasion.
Befitting the celebration, the specially abled children also enthralled the audience with their colourful dances and lively numbers.
Meanwhile, the day was observed by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District at the Community Hall of Pynursla Neng Gate, Pynursla CR&D Block.
The programme was attended by Prestone Tynsong, Minister-in-charge Administrative Reforms as the chief guest in the presence of H. M Shangpliang, Secretary & Director, Social Welfare.
During his address to all assembled at the programme, Tynsong stated that the International Day for Persons with Disabili-ties is special as it is one of the few days declared as an International Day.
Citing instances of many a disabled finding their way to the pinnacles of success through sheer grit and determination, the minister urged upon all gathered to not be discouraged while assuring that the government will extend its co-operation and assistance to the PWDs in accessing government schemes.
Two women from the Block, H.Khongwar and V.Khongkliam were felicitated by the minister on the occasion. Tynsong also distributed gifts, aids and assistive devices.
Also speaking on the occasion, Shangpliang highlighted the different schemes that PWDs can access through the Social Welfare Department like the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme and instructed them to procure the Disability Certificate from PHCs and CHCs before applying for such government schemes.
Meanwhille,Dwar Jingkyrmen celebrated the Day on Saturday with students, parents and friends. It was a grand day full of fun, games and food. The Day was sponsored by the Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. As announced earlier, the fete and raffle have been postponed to March 2017 due to the prevailing currency difficulties.