Morung Express News
September 26
DIMAPUR: For the first time in Nagaland, the International Deaf Day was observed at the Deaf Biblical Ministry, a school for the Deaf at Dimapur today. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said that it was befitting that such a day was commemorated here because the school is the only one of its kind in the State.
He told the gathering that the deaf could do almost everything but hear. He said that 5% reservation for recruitment to certain jobs under the government had been undertaken for the disabled. He also said that a committee has been constituted to identify the posts for which such reservations have been made and notified.
Another committee has also been constituted to frame an insurance scheme or an alternative security scheme for the disabled government employees. About 300 identity cards are being issued through District Welfare Officers to the persons with disabilities on production of a disability certificate from the medical examination board which is constituted in every district, he said. As part of their economic rehabilitation programmes, the National Handicapped Finance Development Cooperation is providing soft loans to disabled persons for their self employment. The Department of Social Welfare is the State Channelising Agency for this loan scheme. To date, 499 disabled persons have received loans ranging from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000. Moreover, Mon and Tuensang Districts have been recommended for setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Center’s (DDRC), in addition to the existing one at Dimapur, Rio said.
The Chief Guest also highlighted that under the National Trust Act for Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act 1999 a new scheme called Supported Guardianship has been implemented through the District Collectors. The Chief Minister urged the gathering to observe the International Day of the Deaf by renewing their commitment to realize the rights of all peoples with disabilities. Tiameren, MLA, Hekhali Zhimomi, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, and Bidhu Shekhar, Suprientendent of Police besides other dignitaries were present at the function.
The Deaf Biblical Ministry, a school for the deaf was established by Rev. Yanger Walling in 1987. The institution provides education for classes Nursery to Tenth standard. Apart from formal education, the school also provides vocational training such as basket making, wood craving, weaving, etc.
