SHILLONG/JOWAI/TURA, Dec 3: The state government has advocated for special fund allocation, increase in subsidy amounts and job reservations for persons with disabilities in Meghalaya.
Informing that 44,000 differently-abled persons are registered with the government, Principal Secretary of Labour department, GHP Raju, also suggested that all beneficiaries should be equipped with Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and mobile number information, which, he said, will facilitate availment of governmental schemes.
The Principal Secretary of Labour department was addressing at a programme on Friday at Shillong Club, Shillong, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Also present in the programme was Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla, who informed that efforts are on to protect the PwDs and ensure their full participation in all spheres of activity.
During the programme, 12 beneficiaries from East Khasi Hills also received UDID Disability Certificates and Assistive Devices. With the mobilisation of Healthy India Chronicle, the assistive devices have been sponsored by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Skill Development.
Lauding the support of AICTE, Shylla, who was the chief guest during the programme, said that the up-to-date assistive devices will go a long way in helping the beneficiaries realise their full potential.
He also informed that 50 acres of land have been allotted for establishment of the Centre for Disability Sports at Umsawli, out of which 10 acres have been allotted for the Composite Regional Centre.
During the programme, the chief guest also released a Souvenir of Health India Chronicle, which details various schemes and programmes available with different departments for the benefit and welfare of PwDs.
Raj Bhavan
A similar programme was held at Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan during which Governor Satya Pal Malik said that India, being a sovereign country, must come out of its colonial mindset structure and exercise its full right and portray the advantage of the Family model to the world community.
“This is the message needed to pass through world community from Meghalaya on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021,” the Governor added.
He said the COVID-19 situation has given one and all the opportunity to comprehend some of the very critical issues and sufferings of the PwDs.
During the programme, Certificate of Appreciation was handed over to Banrihunlang Myrthong in the field of Education; Silme D Marak in the field of Awareness; Showtheway Pakma in the field of Entrepreneurship; Dorita Wann in the field of Health, among others.
Later, the Governor also distributed gift hampers among the differently-abled children.
Mawkynrew
The day was also marked at Jongksha village under Mawkynrew C&RD Block with a programme, during which health check-ups and sporting activities were conducted. Gifts were also distributed among the PwDs who attended the programme.
East Jaintia Hills
In East Jaintia Hills, a programme was organised by District Social Welfare Officer at Holy Trinity School, Sutnga Pdengshnong, to mark the day.
During the programme, the gathering was enlightened about the rights of PwDs.
The PwDs were also asked to register themselves for Aadhaar so that they are not deprived of government schemes and benefits.
A free health check-up for the PwDs was also conducted by the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, after the programme.
Other highlights of the programme include cultural activities and sporting events.
West Garo Hills
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, on the other hand, has called on the parents or guardians of PwDs to adopt a positive attitude and cooperate with their requirements diligently.
Singh made the appeal during a programme at Rongram C&RD Multi-Facility Centre at Asanang to mark the day.
Arguing that children with disabilities can succeed in life if they are provided due care and attention, Singh, who was the chief guest, said that many infrastructural changes have also been initiated in schools to make things accessible for them.
South West Garo Hills
In South West Garo Hills, Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority, observed the day at Banduraja Multi-facility Centre.
During the programme, the attendees were asked to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and were enlightened on the legal rights of PwDs.