KHLIEHRIAT, Sep 17: Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla on Saturday launched a policy for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in East Jaintia Hills (EJH), during a programme here.
According to a statement, District Policy on Persons with Disabilities aims at realisation of the rights and freedoms of the PwDs as well focuses on the development of mechanism and infrastructure required to achieve their full potential.
Shylla, who was the chief guest during the programme, informed that the state government, through the Social Welfare department, has taken the initiative to enhance financial assistance to PwDs.
“Specially abled people should not be treated differently, they should be treated equally and opportunities should be given to motivate them”, the minister said, adding that the government will provide benefits to the PwD beneficiaries once they are registered following the completion of a survey and assessment.
During the meeting, Shylla, along with other dignitaries, also handed over aids and appliances — tricycles, wheel chair, artificial limbs, hearing aids, auxiliary crutches, walker, et al — to 200 PwD beneficiaries.
East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, in his address, shed light on the PwD-centric policy. He said the policy was formulated as a guiding instrument to provide benefits to the PwDs.
He also informed that the District Administration, with the support of the Office of the East Jaintia Hills Social Welfare Officer, is carrying out a door-to-door survey for PwDs in the district.
“To date, surveys in 122 villages have been completed and 872 numbers of PwDs have been identified,” the DC informed.
He further informed that once the survey is complete, assessment camps for PWDs will be conducted in 10 locations of the district during which UDID Card/Disability certificates, CM Special Assistance Programme and Pension for the Disabled will be provided to the beneficiaries.
It may be mentioned that Saturday’s programme was organised by Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Divyangjan), New Delhi, in collaboration with SAKSHAM (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(Divyangjan), National Institute For Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata, Office of the East Jaintia Hills DC, Office of the EJH District Social Welfare Officer, and Kyrmen Foundation.
Others who were part of the programme include East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, Additional East Jaintia Hills DC G Warjri, members of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, et al.
