Aids and appliances were distributed free of cost to 200 people with disabilities in Khliehriat yesterday.
The materials, under the central government’s ADIP Scheme, cost approximately Rs 12 lakh.
The programme was organized by the National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Divyangjan), New Delhi, in collaboration with SAKSHAM under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, office of the East Jaintia Hills’ Deputy Commissioner and Kyrmen Foundation.
Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla (also of the eponymous Kyrmen Foundation) attended the programme as chief guest in the presence of Deputy Chief Executive Member of the JHADC L Rymbai, Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC F Bareh, Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and other civil servants.
In his address Shylla said that the disabled “should not be treated differently. They should be treated equally and opportunities should be given to motivate them.”
The minister also stated that, after completion of the survey and assessment, the names of disabled beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme will be registered so as to ensure that they receive their entitled benefits.
Baranwal informed that the district administration, with the support of the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, is carrying out a census for people with disabilities in the entire district door to door. So far, 122 villages have been completed and 872 disabled people have been identified.
During the programme, Shylla launched the District Policy on Persons with Disabilities, which is aimed at achieving full realisation of the rights and freedoms of the disabled. It also aims at providing and developing the mechanism and infrastructure required for the disabled to achieve their full potential.
Later, the minister and other dignitaries personally handed over the aids and appliances to 200 people with disabilities, who received tricycles, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, hearing aids, auxiliary crutches, walkers, cerebral palsy chairs and ‘smart cane sensors’.
