Jowai, Jul 27: A distribution camp was organised on Saturday at Lad Mukhla Community Hall, West Jaintia Hills to extend support to persons with disabilities.
Through this effort, 29 persons received aids and assistive devices including wheelchairs, crutches and hearing aids and 37 individuals were provided with Niramaya Health Insurance cards.
The event was jointly organised by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, the district administration and Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development Rehabilitation Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (CRCSRE) Meghalaya.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar attended the programme as chief guest, accompanied by Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla. Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumanr Singh, Ram Shakal Sahani, Director of CRCSRE Shillong, and Y Najiar, District Social Welfare Officer, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Dhar encouraged the persons with disabilities and caregivers to carefully follow the guidelines provided in order to fully benefit from avail government schemes. Dhar stressed the importance of enrolling in Aadhaar, noting that without it, individuals may not be eligible to access many welfare schemes. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting PwDs, but cautioned that without the required documentation, many may unintentionally miss out the critical benefits.
Shylla highlighted the benefits available to PwDs under government schemes. He placed special emphasis on the health insurance coverage, the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme which plays a crucial role in ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for persons with disabilities.
Singh said that through the distribution of assistive devices like wheelchair, crutches, hearing aids and prosthetics under the ADIP scheme, and with the support from organisations like ALIMCO and the Department of Social Welfare, many lives are being transformed.
Sahani described the event as a historic step for the disabled in West Jaintia Hills. He stated that the initiative began in April 2025 under the guidance of the DC, leading to an assessment camp where over 250 beneficiaries were evaluated for UDID, Aadhaar, aids and appliances, Niramaya Health Insurance and skill training. The current distribution is the continuation of that effort ensuring delivery of identified support.
