IMPHAL, December 3: As in other parts of the world, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was also observed at several places in the state today.
The day is being observed under the theme ‘Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’ throughout the world.
The Department of Social Welfare, Manipur government had also observed the day at the Bal Bhavan, Khuman Lampak attended by Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai as chief guest, Kakching MLA Y Surchandra Singh as president and Social Welfare Commissioner Letkhogin Haokip as guest of honour.
Speaking at the function, Minister AK Mirabai announced that the amount of Rs 40-60 given to a differently abled person as scholarship is too little and as such the state is trying to increase the amount to Rs 300-600 for which the centre has already approved.
She continued that forms are available for a one time scheme through which the beneficiaries will receive Rs 3000 and added that the government has already sanctioned Rs 15 lakhs for the said scheme.
Minister AK Mirabai appreciated the NGOs and other bodies for taking up welfare activities for the differently abled persons through centre and state government fundings.
Further continuing with her address, the Minister opined that all persons are equal and as such everyone should receive equal benefits from the government sponsored schemes.
She continued, the government has identified and certified 16,429 persons as differently abled, however there are around 10 thousand more remaining. She also added that all the others remaining will also be soon identified with help from the state Health department.
The Minister also continued that efforts to provide the needed infrastructure to the State run Deaf and Mute School and Blind School at Takyel are on.
DPC to appoint the needed faculties for the schools have also been completed, she said.
Main highlights of the observation include entertainment programmes presented by differently abled children/student.