Imphal, December 03: To rehabilitate disabled persons, the State Government need to formulate a specific policy, observed Joint Director of the Women and Child Development Division, Department of Social Welfare, S Sarat.

Speaking as functional president on the occasion of World Disabled Day at the GM Hall, Imphal today, Sarat noted that under the Disabilities Act, rights to education, employment, reservation etc are extended to disabled persons.

Even then, there are no tangible efforts being taken up by different Departments of the State Govt to ensure that the rights guaranteed by the Disabilities Act have benefited the disabled persons, he lamented.

Nevertheless, he appreciated the initiative of some NGOs to avail the right to education for disabled persons and their contribution towards exposing the talents of such persons as a positive sign.

While stating that NGOs and the State Government have taken up steps to provide education and vocational training to disabled persons, he nonetheless conveyed deep concern over the failure of the State Government to formulate any practical policy to provide a job or vocation so that the disabled persons can stand on their own feet after they leave their educational and training institutes.

Observing that very few educated or trained disabled persons can find jobs or employment, Sarat stressed on the importance of formulating a rehabilitation policy for disabled persons.

Further, the Jt Director noted that the people should raise their voice to persuade the State Govt to take up welfare programmes for disabled persons.

He observed that 80 percent of the disabilities in children were caused by failure to take proper care during pregnancy or delivery in wrong direction. Under ICDS project of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, Anganwadi workers are being imparted training to educate women on proper care during pregnancy and delivery, he informed.

The observation organised by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Manipur and COMFORD (Common Forum For Persons With Disabilities) was graced by Under Secretary (School Education) Hermit Pahuja as chief guest.

During the function, children who won awards at National and international levels were felicitated.

The awardees included Balsree Award winners of 2005, Thokchom Johnson, international player of Dublin soccer W Ranendra, international athlete L Ranjan, classical dancer, N Diana and shot put player of Special Olympics, A Abemcha.

To conclude the function, cultural programmes and one Act plays were presented by students of Wangma School for Handicapped Motbung, Dhananjoy Physically Challenged Residential English School Khongman, Special School for the Hearing Impaired Palace Compound, Ch Ibohal School of Mentally Retarded Changangei and BB Paul Mental Development Home, Mongshangei.

The World Disabled Day was also observed at indoor stadium, Senapati district Hqs under the aegis of Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA).

During the observance presided by the Project Coordinator of SSA Senapati Robert Pao, simple gifts were presented to about 60 disabled persons of Senapati district.

The observance was also graced by Deputy Commissioner Senapati Dr Prem, Brigadier Raman Dhawan of 59 Mt Brigade, CO of 22 Assam Rifles Col VS Malik as chief guest and guests of honour respectively.

Captain Shabana Bhalla spoke on the occasion as a resource person Maneda has also conveyed gratitude to the 22 Assam Rifles and 59 Mountain Brigade for arranging transportation facilities to the delegates, and all the 74 churches in Senapati who joined in observing the World Disabled Day.

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