Union Social Justice Minister visits state
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 15 2011: The state of Manipur will soon have a commissioner to look after the welfare of disabled persons, said visiting Union Social Justice Minister, Mukul Wasnik here on Friday.

Wasnik was in town with his entourage to oversee and review the implementation of schemes for disabled persons, the aged and drug abusers in the state.

Moments after their arrival here at 11.30 am, the central minister and his officials attended a review meeting with the state Social Welfare officials at the Classic Hotel.

Informing the visiting team, Director of the state Social Welfare Department, G Saitabati said that there are 13, 470 persons with disabilities in the state according to government records.

On being asked by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice AN Jha about the rise in complaint vis-a-vis disabled persons, the Director said that so far only one complaint has been received.

She also maintained that while about 385 disabled persons have been availing scholarships provided by the department about 300 others have been given unemployment allowances of ' 100-150 .

Mukul Wasnik

Union Minister Wasnik asked the state delegates to identify specific areas for the implementation of various schemes since the disabled community is the most disadvantaged community.

"Though substantial amount of work has been done, we still have to do more," he said, adding that his ministry has identified certain areas for capacity building of non-government organizations.

Later, while interacting with the media, the Union Minister said that the Disability Act of 1995 and 2007 have adopted the United Nation's convention on persons with disability.

In order to harmonize with the Indian legislation, a committee has been set up to recommend on the matter, he said while asking the state level consultative committee to submit its report so that the same could be placed before a central coordination committee.

"We will consult state governments and take a final view on that very soon," he said.

After the act has been adopted, the states will have to subsequently notify the rules and the function and scope of the tribunal and its maintenance, he said.

The central entourage consisted of KM Acharya, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Dr Kamble, PS to Social Justice Minister, besides the minister himself and Joint Secretary AN Jha.

The team from Manipur included the Commissioner, Director and other officials of the state Social Welfare Department.