‘PWDs marginalized due to non-implementation laws & services

Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Disabilities with others during the identification and assessment camp for PWDs held on July 29. (Morung Photo)

A two-day identification and assessment camp for PWD underway in Dimapur
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 29

Nagaland had not been able to leverage the services provided by the central government and national institutes for Persons’ With Disabilities (PWDs).

This failure of the state government to implement laws and services for PWDs for many years has left them marginalized, asserted the State Commissioner for Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro, addressing a two-day identification and assessment camp for PWDs on July 29. 

The camp, organized by National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (DIVYANJAN), Kolkata, in collaboration with DDRC Dimapur and Prodigals’ Home, got underway here today at District Disability and Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) Complex, District Hospital Dimapur.

Nakhro further pointed out that even DDRC Dimapur is struggling to survive due to shortage of infrastructure and manpower including therapists, doctors and technicians. 

It is due to the dedication and commitment of the limited staff manning the centre that it has been able to provide whatever service and assistance to the PWDs thus far, she added. 

Referring to the RPWD Act 2016, she expressed optimism that the implementation of the Act would go a long in mitigating the plight of PWDs in the state. 

Nakhro also reminded that it was the collective responsibility of the government and society to ensure that all citizens, including PWDs, have access to all public services and utilities.

At the inaugural programme, the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, who is also chairman, district management committee, DDRC Dimapur, also informed that as per updated record, the number of PWDs in Dimapur district is estimated to be 945, though the exact figure may differ.

To parents and guardians of PWDs, the DC urged them not to shy away from their responsibilities of looking after the PWDs as saying: “Nothing comes by chance, everything is pre-planned and designed by God.” 

Zehol said parents and caretakers of PWDs should take the responsibility as an opportunity to prove themselves that they have care and concern for the differently-abled people. He further encouraged the PWDs and their guardians to come forward and avail the services offered by the government and NGOs concerned.

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Chief medical officer, DHD, Dr. Vikato Kinimi, said rehabilitation was the first step towards providing services to PWDs and integrating them to the mainstream. The CMO appreciated the role of the State commissioner for Disabilities and other stakeholders for giving their best efforts to uplift the PWDs.

District welfare officer, Dimapur, Tosheli Zhimomi, said earlier till 2016 census for PWDs, parents and PWDs were not willing to identify and enroll those PWDs in their homes. Presently, Tosheli said the situation has brightened as in the 2019 census, more than 3,000 PWDs in Dimapur district have come forward and enrolled themselves.

Earlier, in charge, Outreach Research Centre, NILD Kolkata, Aratatran Patra, highlighted on the various services and facilities provided by NILD. Medical superintendent, DHD, Dr. Kheshito Zhimomi, proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Imlitemsu Ozukum, MD (PMR), SMO, incharge DD RC Dimapur, chaired the inaugural programme.