IMPHAL, Sept 18: A State policy for disabled persons should be framed and there should be a separate directorate for the physically challenged. The objectives for the welfare of the handicapped should be pursued with other civil organizations, according to the resolve taken in a discussion held for development of the handicapped.
The All Manipur Disabled and Physically Handicapped Development Association organized a discussion on the issues faced by the physically challenged individuals at Manipur Press Club today.
The program was attended by representatives of various civil organizations including, President of All Manipur Working Journalists Union, Ahongsangbam Mobi, S Jasobanta, member of Handicapped Development Forum Manipur, UCM secretary M Deva, advisor of the association Md Wahajuddin, assistant professor of GP College , Dr W Romesh, chief advisor of the association , Iboton and M Tomba, member of All Manipur Student Guardian Association.
AMWJU President A Mobi mentioned that an able person is not justified on highlighting the issues of the less able counterparts as the latter undergoes the pains in reality.
He said that the civil organizations and the state actors have to acknowledge the deficiency incurred by the disabled in various sectors and hence should focus on bringing about holistic developments.
The need to follow up on the resolutions taken at such meetings is also the need of the hour and the civil bodies need to unite with the disabled to bring about the needed reforms in the state administration.
In a similar note, General Secretary of Joint Students Coordinating Committee, Umakanta stated that times are tough even for the average person to survive in the State owing to many factors. He said that the predicaments of the disabled persons need address from the public, civil organizations and mostly from the state government.
The members of the dais also highlighted the lopsided treatment meted to the disabled persons. Many testimonies were also presented by the physically challenged.