SHILLONG: The Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme for the infirm, widows and persons with disabilities (PwDs) was released only to a few blocks while shunning the remaining.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, president of Khasi Disabilities Association (KDA), Starwin Kharjana said the scheme was released only for urban blocks, including Mylliem, whereas funds for other blocks have not yet been released.
“We urge the government to give necessary directions to release the scheme before Christmas for all the blocks. The scheme for April 1, 2017- March 30, 2018 was released. The remaining months from April to November is yet to be released,” he said. The PwDs are getting a total amount of Rs 500 per month from the scheme. Kharjana said PwDs do not get benefits under several schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana because some headmen do not take them into account.
Other than having children who are disabled, the burden of poverty also hinders families from getting benefits/schemes from the state government.
The KDA head said some fortunate families in rural areas are guided by educated relatives but in most cases, PwDs lose out on important schemes and also do not get disability certificate. “It would be burdensome for poor families to come to Shillong (East Khasi Hills), Tura (Garo Hills) and Jowai (Jaintia Hills) to get their disability certificate, especially for those staying in Ri-Bhoi such as Umling, Jirang, Riangdo,” he said. He urged the state government to intervene for issuing disability certificates and Unique Disability IDs for PwDs at the Civil Sub-Divisions to save people time.
No ramps at tourist sites
Famous tourist spots in Shillong such as the Phan Nonglait Park and Ward’s Lake do not have ramps, Kharjana pointed out.
“There are no ramps for the disabled making it difficult for people with visual impairment and those in wheelchair to visit the places. PwDs also want some time where they can enjoy the beauty of nature and be a part of the joy just like everybody else,” Kharjana said.
He said PwDs cannot have access to some areas of Sohra, Krang Suri and Shnongpdeng although Thangkharang Park and Noh ka Likai Falls viewpoint are somehow accessible.
He listed government offices and civil hospitals as PwD-unfriendly and urged the government to look into the matter.
“Even the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (East Khasi Hills) is located on the second floor which poses a problem to the people in wheelchair and the visually impaired. The government has to think differently on this matter,” he said.
The government recently announced that it would identify places for setting up ramps for PwDs.
