Newmai News Network Imphal | November 5 In a grand hearing aid distribution, a total of 6,464 needy patients were given hearing aids today at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Imphal to register a record as the world's largest camp ever organised. On the occasion, Union Social Welfare Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said Gujarat had earlier registered a record by distributing 1,700 hearing aids during such a programme. He said that all persons with disabilities would be given personal identity cards soon to ensure that they get all benefits provided by the government. Citing the 2011 census record, he said the country has nearly 2 crore population of differently-abled persons and assured to work for their welfare. The Union Minister said more hearing aids would be distributed to 6 lakh children of the country soon. The Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness, National Health Mission, Manipur, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment jointly organised the programme. The free hearing aid distribution event was held as part of the Centre's Samajik Adhikarita Shivir and Distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices to Persons with Disabilities. The needy beneficiaries were selected after screening 12,000 individuals during 49 camps held at different places. The total cost of the distributed hearing aids was estimated to be Rs 6.50 crore. The grand event attempted to break the Guinness Book of World Records with 36 cameras providing live feed to the Guinness World Records office in London. Media reports said the Indian authorities denied visas to Guinness officials to visit Manipur to witness the event due to the prevailing situation in the state. Over 400 volunteers were engaged to monitor the entire operation.
