Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 18
A long pending demand for setting up of a separate department for Persons with Disability (PwD) is likely to be fulfilled as Manipur Social Welfare department had put up a proposal for the same to Manipur government.
PwDs in Manipur under the aegis of State Platform of Disabled Peoples’ Organization (SPDPO) have been pressing the Manipur government to set up a separate department to deal with the affairs of the PwDs.
Speaking at the 13th foundation day of Disabled Development Association Manipur (DDAM) held at Oinam Swambung in Imphal West on August 18, Joint Director of state Social Welfare department, Bantee Konthoujam informed that his department has put up a proposal to the State government for setting up a separate department for the PwDs.
He added that once the government approves the proposal and set up the department, grievances of the PwDs will be addressed at the earliest possible time.
The proposal for setting up a separate department for PwDs was in line with the recommendation of the 15th national review meeting for effective implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 held at New Delhi in May 2017.
Among others, the meeting chaired by the then Union minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Thaawar Chand Gehlot recommended that separate departments of disability affairs should be set up by states.
While recommending the same, it was stated that the states should consider creating/set up separate department of disability affairs in their respective states and the state commissioner should act as watchdog for effective implementation of the Act in states.
