Dimapur, September 8 (MExN): The Dimapur branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) on Tuesday convened a meeting at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur. The meeting, aimed at sensitising the various government departments, public transport system, banks and the hospitals on the special needs of the disabled, was attended by representatives from the departments of Social Welfare and local based NGOs who are active in the field.
In addition, DMC member Nungsang Aier, members of the Nagaland Blind Association and the Physically Handicapped Union Dimapur, and DC Maongwati Aier, who is also chairman of IRCS Dimapur, were also in attendance. It was chaired by Inaka Assumi, honorary secretary of IRCS Dimapur. Representatives from the banks, railways, transport department and the district hospital were conspicuous by their absence.
With amenities for the welfare of the disabled almost non-existent in the district and the state in general, the NGO representatives were very vocal about making the ‘environment more disabled friendly’. With no amenities for the convenience of the disabled while accessing services in public offices and establishments, K. Ela of Prodigal’s Home prodded how eager banks, hospitals and the transport system were to uplift this particular community.
One particular area of concern broached by them was the unnecessary harassment that the community has to go through while availing government concessions due to them. Another speaker of a prominent local NGO was of the view that the concerned government departments dealing with the welfare of the community must sincerely sensitise their employees on this issue. He was referring to various instances in the past when he had come across employees of some government departments who were insensitive to their needs. Father Joe of People In Need Foundation was of the opinion that if at all any change is to occur for their betterment, first a mindset has to be built among the people that they (disabled) are only ‘differently abled’ than us and not disabled.
The DC and chairman of the IRCS Dimapur, bringing the meeting to a close, summed up that better coordination is required between the departments and the NGOs in this direction. He said, “If any disabled are not having the privilege of going to school and not receiving their deserved government concessions, it is our duty to look into that.”
The DC also formulated a ‘District Level Committee for the Disabled’ which will see to it that whatever help comes from the government reaches their due beneficiaries. The committee will consist of the District Social Welfare Officer, Medical Superintendent (Dimapur), and a senior lawyer as non-statutory co-opted members. The DC and one member each from the NGOs and People With Disabilities (PWD) will be permanent members.
Father Joe of the People In Need Foundation was chosen by the house as the representative from the NGOs, and Apa Kajanseb of Physically Handicapped Union Dimapur from the PWDs. Senior lawyer Bhagchand Jain is one the three non-statutory members.
