Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 to be implemented soon

Imphal, March 27, 2018 (DIPR): Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen today launched the regional workshop on “Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities” with special focus on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It is organised by Ayar Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Mumbai in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Manipur.

Delivering a Chief Guest speech, Minister Nemcha stated that as a concern Minister, she would work in consultation with the Officials of the Department and Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to initiate action towards framing of rules for Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 as soon as possible.

She further informed that the Government of India has launched Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in December 2016. But the implementation of the act shall depend a lot on the machineries of the State Government. Proper implementation of various provisions made under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 rules will be framed, she asserted.

Minister Nemcha stressed on the fact that the benefit of various welfare schemes launched by the State Government and the Union Government for differently-abled persons are yet to reach the poor person with disabilities in far flung remote areas in North Eastern Region due to lack of awareness about the scheme and its implementation.

She encouraged such series of awareness programme should also be conducted at the remotest corners of Manipur and other states to make sure it reaches the benefits to the unreached and deserving beneficiaries.

Social Welfare Minister also instructed that the information kiosks provided to the department and Office of the State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities should include information of welfare schemes introduced and implemented by the State Government and various legal provisions for differently-abled persons.

Commissioner, State Social Welfare Shri H. Dileep Singh, Head, Socio-Economic Rehabilitation Department & Nodal Official NE (AYJNISHD) Shri R. Bhattacharyya and State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities Dr. R.K. Kumarjit Singh graced the occasion as Guests of honour and President. Officials of National Institute of Speech & Hearing Disabilities, Mumbai, participants from Four North Eastern States namely Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura and concerned officials of the department also attended the workshop.

The inaugural function of the workshop will be followed by technical sessions.