Imphal, December 03 2010: Like in the past Manipur joined observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today with State Mission Authority of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Directorate of Social Welfare Department hosting the event at different venues.

The observance hosted by State Mission Authority (SSA) at GM Hall was attended by Education Minister L Jayantakumar Singh, Deputy Secretary (Education) N Pravin Singh, who is also the Assistant State Project Director of SSA State Mission Authority, and Zonal Education Officer (Imphal East) A Shamu as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Addressing the gathering, the Education Minister said irrespective of whether an individual is able-bodied or not fundamental right of every citizen include access to education for which the Central Govt introduced SSA in order to guarantee education to every child.

Jayantakumar also reminded that relevant court could be approached in case education is denied to a child on any ground.

Presenting the key-note address N Pravin informed that inspite of slight delay in the implementation of SSA programmes in Manipur dedicated service of officials and personnel of State Mission Authority has resulted in favourable progress in terms of implementing the flag-ship programme.

He also informed that process has been completed for selection of 500 students who would be benefited with the presentation of allowance for a period of 11 months.

The Deputy Secretary also asserted that there is no leniency on the part of SSA State officials to locate children and bring them to the classroom.

During the observance hosted by Directorate of Social Welfare Department gifts were presented to physically challenged persons.

The event was held at the office complex of the Directorate with Chairperson of Manipur State Women's Development Corporation AK Mirabai lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Commissioner (Social Welfare) IAS Letkhogin Haokip, Director (Social Welfare) G Satyabati and joint Director (Social Welfare) K sanajaoba also attended the function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour.

This year the observance was held under the theme 'Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming Disability in the Millennium Development Goals Towards 2015 and beyond' .

speaking at the occasion, Mirabai said every effort is being made by the Social Welfare Department to alleviate conditions of persons with disabilities and that similar endeavour is necessary from every section of the society to extend help in grooming talents of the physically challenged.

noting that inspite of physical deformities some individuals have enormous talents, she conveyed that education of these individuals should be the top priority for which there is need for coordination between the department concerned, NGOs and the general public in implementing various welfare programmes.

Delivering the key-note address the host department's Assistant Director dilip informed that under a specific policy of the united Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed with the objectives of extending basic facilities for education, spread awareness against discrimination, providing financial assistance and issuance of certificates.

Stating that Manipur has over 13,000 persons with disabilities, he also informed that special incentive scheme is being worked out to enable physically challenged individuals live a normal life in addition to procurement of modern gadgets for students of Blind Schools.

The Senapati District Physically Handicapped Association (SDPHA) also observed the International Disabled day at premises of Manipur North Economic Development Association ( Manida ) at the district headquarters on Friday.

Incidentally SDPHA was formed under the initiative of Maneda, a prominent NGO based at the Naga dominated district.

Various speakers at the occasion lauded Maneda for making an all-round-development for SDPHA.

Maneda secretary T Peter Rangnamei said his association has so far been able to identity at least 227 persons with disabilities from two sub-divisions of Senapati.

"We are trying to cover all parts of the district to ensure equal opportunities are given to all disabled persons ," he said adding that Manida is extending educational support to some disabled persons in Senapati.

The Youth Initiative Foundation (Yif), which is organizing the northeast youth festival in Senapati in January, besides sponsoring a painting competition under the theme 'Inclusive Education for Disabled' also donated the prizes for excellent handicapped persons on the day.

Some senior state government officials serving in the district and church leaders attended the occasion.

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