Imphal, December 03: Like in other parts of the world 'International Day for disabled persons' was held in the State today under the joint aegis of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan-State Mission Authority, social Welfare Department and Comford by organising a rally and public session.

Held under the theme 'Towards an inclusive Barrier Free and Right based society', Social Welfare Minister W Leima flagged off a solidarity walk from JN Manipur Dance Academy premise.

The rallyists comprising of young and old disabled persons, including on wheel-chairs, marched through Thangal bazar, MG avenue and trudging along Kanglapat road assembled as Gandhi Memorial Hall where a meeting was held.

The GM Hall function was attended by the Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and Commissioner (Education-S) RK Angousana Singh as the chief guest and president respectively.

In his address, the Chief secretary regretted that till date there is no special space in the country for disabled persons be it travelling in public transport carrier or access to public offices unlike other developed countries where special attention is given to the disabled.

he, however expressed delight that SSA provision on elementary education implemented in the entire country have special component for children with disabilities which is path-breaking.

In case the State Government makes proper utilisation of several lakhs of rupees allocated for implementation of SSA projects there is no reason why disabled children cannot improve their competition zeal and aspiration, said the chief guest while calling upon the teachers, guardians and more importantly active social participation in easing path of the disabled persons.

Disagreeing with the common concept of describing persons with disabilities as disabled, Additional Project Director of SSA Sh Bimolchand in his welcome address said such group of people are infact physically challenged persons.

Underscoring his assertion, he highlighted that as abled bodied children physically challenged children are capable of drawing, sculpting etc and that SSA project would be incomplete unless there is adequate involvement of physically challenged children.

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