PwDs deserve dignity, equality and independence: State Commissioner

DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Blessed Bonding, an NGO working for children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), commemorated its 3rd Foundation Day at LG Hall, CIHSR, on Monday under the theme, “Inclusion Today, Brighter Tomorrow”.
Addressing the programme as special guest, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Tongpang L. Jamir, described the completion of three years as a significant milestone for the organisation and the wider parents’ movement in the state. He said it reflected years of advocacy, solidarity and collective commitment towards protecting the rights and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
Congratulating the NGO and its members, Jamir said parents were often the first and strongest advocates for their children, navigating challenges related to education, healthcare, rehabilitation, employment and social participation. He said Blessed Bonding embodied the strength of this collective movement and that the Foundation Day provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges and renew commitment towards the future.
Speaking on the theme, Jamir emphasised that inclusion went beyond merely allowing children with disabilities to be present in homes, schools and communities. He said true inclusion required acceptance and respect for their individuality, equal opportunities and meaningful participation in society.
Comparing children to flowers that bloom at different times and in different ways, he said every child was unique and required varying levels of care, patience and support to reach their full potential.
Highlighting concerns parents often have regarding their children’s future, Jamir said love must be accompanied by empowerment. While acknowledging parents’ natural instinct to protect their children, he cautioned that overprotection could unintentionally limit opportunities for developing independence.
He stressed the importance of helping children acquire daily living skills, communicate their needs, make informed choices and become as independent as their abilities allowed.
Jamir said preparing children with IDDs for the future could not be the responsibility of parents alone, but required coordinated efforts from families, schools, NGOs, government agencies and society. He called for inclusive education, life-skills training, vocational opportunities, supported living and long-term care planning, while stressing that society must be prepared to accept, respect and support persons with disabilities beyond their parents’ lifetime.
Advocating a shift from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based framework, he said PwDs should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes but as equal citizens, rights-holders, contributors and decision-makers.
He further stressed that the principle of “Nothing About Us, Without Us” should guide policies and programmes, and called for the removal of physical, institutional, communication, digital and social barriers that hinder the full participation of PwDs.
Outlining initiatives undertaken by the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Jamir said the Commission was facilitating access to healthcare support through the HITARTH Scheme and the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme under the National Trust for eligible persons with disabilities.
He also informed that the Commission was in discussion with the Department of Census Operations to promote accurate enumeration of PwDs in the upcoming Census, noting that reliable data was essential for effective planning, policymaking and delivery of welfare services.
Further, Jamir said the Commission, in partnership with the SELCO Foundation, was working to help NGOs serving PwDs access Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding to strengthen initiatives aimed at empowerment, inclusion and improving quality of life.
He later announced that district-level disability awareness campaigns would soon be conducted across the state to promote awareness on disability rights, welfare schemes, equal opportunities and social inclusion.
Jamir also informed that the Commission was in discussion with the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) to organise a cultural event for persons with disabilities during the current financial year, providing them a platform to showcase their talents, creativity and cultural expressions.
On disability certification, he said the Commission was coordinating with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) to organise medical assessment camps across districts to facilitate issuance of disability certificates and registration under the Unique Disability ID (UDID) programme, which are essential for availing various government schemes and benefits.
He further announced plans to organise a workshop on Divyang SARTHI (Smart Accessible Resource and Tools for Holistic Inclusion) for educators, experts, institutions and parent organisations.
Concluding his address, Jamir called for stronger partnerships and practical action towards building a more inclusive Nagaland where every person with a disability could learn, work, participate and contribute with dignity, equality and independence.
“Inclusion is not an act of charity; it is a matter of rights, dignity and belonging,” he said, adding that the actions taken today would determine the opportunities and security available to persons with disabilities in the future.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Blessed Bonding treasurer, Akahoto Jimo, while the invocation was pronounced by KBFNUV pastor, Mukwang. Blessed Bonding chairman, Anito Kiba, delivered the welcome address and presented a brief history of the organisation. A parent’s testimony was shared by member Inatoli V. Zhimo, while the vote of thanks was proposed by general secretary, Shanchamo Yanthan.
Highlights of the programme included special presentations by Nyailih and Chabou Mepfhuo, as well as a poster presentation. The closing prayer was offered by CIHSR chaplain, Petekhieno.