26,499 people with disabilities in Nagaland

Minister for social welfare Kiyanilie Peseyie today distributed wheelchairs, water mattress and walking stick to the disabled people under the ADIP Scheme sponsored by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India at a function held here at State Academy Hall.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Peseyie said the Cherry Blossoms Society has taken the timely initiative to make their disability certificate for getting various government schemes.

“Disability is an impairment of a physical and mental function which enforces the performance of the activities of an individual at a very particular social and economic environment,” he said.

He said there are about 600 million people in the world are disabled. In India may be 100 million people with disabilities according to 2001 census. In Nagaland, according to 2001 census, 26,499 people with disabilities.

“Our people feel pity and compassionate about the person/child but not knowing how to help. Our people need to accept such parents/child and encourage them to have a normal life by being making them mainstreaming in the society and actively participate them in all walks of life. Our society should be able to shoulder responsibility to make them self reliant and self sufficient as far as possible,” he said adding that to empower them is the best method to make them at par with anyone in the society.

He also stated that states parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education, with a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and life long learning.

Peseyie also stated that every department has 3% of fund which needs to be utilized for the disable sector, adding that job reservation of 3% cannot be fulfilled unless our children are educated and trained for, “therefore there is dire need for education of such children and setting up of vocational training centres in every pockets.”

“Employment exchange should properly register and give details of job vacancies. Media play a very crucial role in every aspect of our society, so also for disability issues; if the media project a positive picture about the success stories of different people then we may have a society who is proactive to our special people,” the minister said.

Stating that the welfare of our society is a priority, he challenged the people to take optimum advantage of the initiative. “It will bring together schemes and programmes of different ministries both central and the state government make it accessible to disabled people,” he said and further appealed to Cherry Blossom Society to accept the challenges with fullest commitment in helping the people who are in need.

Dr. Atha Vizol, commissioner disability Nagaland, Nyusietho Nyuthe, joint secretary to Government of Nagaland, department of social welfare, Zakie Kire, general secretary Nagaland State Branch Indian Red Cross Society, Kapochuo Naleo, secretary NAPAD, Keweu Kenye from social welfare department and Lithrongla Tongpi. SDO (C) Kohima also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Purnima Kayina.

Source : The Morung Express , 24th August 2013