International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) is observed every year on December 3 to honour the resilience, contributions and leadership of PwDs across the world.
Nagaland too joined in observing the day by organising various programmes under the theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disability for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
Speaking at the event at Heritage Bamboo Hall Kisama, secretary, department of social Welfare, Martha R. Rhitse said that as per 2011 census, Nagaland has reported a total of 29,631 persons with disability with a percentage of 1.5% of the total population.
She said globally, persons with disabilities comprise 16% of the total population, while it is 2.2% in India.
She also highlighted various welfare schemes for persons with benchmark disabilities implemented by the Nagaland government through the department of Social Welfare.
The welfare schemes were: Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities under which a total of 207 students of benchmark disabilities received an annual scholarship of Rs. 3600 per beneficiary; financial assistance/pension to persons with disabilities under which a total of 4,872 persons with benchmark disabilities received an annual financial assistance/pension of Rs. 3600 per beneficiary; and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme under which a total of 1276 beneficiaries received a pension of Rs.3600 annually.
She also informed that he department was in the process of nominating a State Channelizing Agency for implementing the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) Loan under which financial assistance in terms of loan at concessional rate of interest will be provided for the benefit of Persons with Disabilities for starting/augmenting any activity contributing directly or indirectly in income generation and helping them in their overall process of empowerment.
Under the Scheme for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disubilities (SIPDA) act 2016, the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) was started in 2006 at Dimapur an outreach activity under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for providing comprehensive services to the persons with disabilities at the grassroots level, and for facilitating creation of the infrastructure and capacity building at the district level for awareness generation, rehabilitation and training of rehabilitation professionals.
She informed that two more DDRC had also been inaugurated in Mon and Tuensang districts. She informed that the department has also been implementing the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card Project since 2019. The project aims to encourage transparency and efficiency in the system of delivering government benefits to persons with disabilities.
Under this project, certificates of disability and UDID cards were issued through competent medical authorities notified by respective State Governments/Union Territories with a view of creating a National Database for Persons with Disabilities. So far, more than 3000 UDID cards have been generated.
The government of Nagaland, through the department of Social Welfare also provides grant-in-aid to private institutions for running Special Schools/Inclusive schools and also to NGOs/Voluntary Organizations rendering commendable services for the welfare of persons with disabilities. During 2023-24, a total of eight NGOs/Voluntary Organizations received the grants from the Department, she said.
Special guest, advisor of Social Welfare Wangpang Konyak in his speech said that an inclusive and sustainable future require every voice to be heard and every perspective to be valued.
He said persons with special abilities brings unique insights and lived experiences that were indispensable in building stronger and more resilient societies. He said boosting their leadership means not only recognising their contributions but actively creating opportunities for them to lead, innovate and influence.
Wangpang said the people were fortunate to have Diethono Nakhro leading the Commission for persons with disabilities in the state. He said under Diethono spirited participation and initiative despite the challenges she faced, the commission has been amplifying the cause vigorously.
The advisor also lauded Hokato Sema, for winning bronze medal at Paris 2024 Paralympics, which has not only brought laurel to Nagaland and India but was an inspiration to everyone.
He described Hokato medal as a symbol of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity and the State government was committed in removing barriers-physical, social, and institutional-that hinders progress toward inclusion.
Wangpang further called for intensive and extensive sensitization of the rights, issues and the legal powers and aspect which SCPD wields in discharging its function under Code of Civil procedure. He further said that the day was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and potential, and call for action.
State Disability Commissioner Diethono Nakhro in her speech, said that the day was a reminder to everyone not only of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities but also of the incredible leadership, strength, and potential within the community.
She shared about changing that narrative and realising the full potential of leadership within the disabled community.
Diethono pointed out that leadership was not a gift that should be handed to everyone – but a responsibility to fight for the right to accessible education, employment, and healthcare, and therefore everyone must fight for the right to take charge of their futures.
She pointed out that sustainable development cannot take place without the inclusion of all. “When we say leave no one behind, it must be more than words. It must be a guiding principle in every effort for progress, whether in economic development, environmental sustainability, or social justice”, Diethono said.
She further said that a truly inclusive future means persons with disabilities were recognised and removing the systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from taking up leadership roles. She however said that those barriers were not just physical; but attitudinal, institutional, and social.
DIMAPUR: District level Committee for PWDs, Dimapur (DLCPDD) and Exodus Disabled People Organization, Dimapur (EDPOD) in collaboration with ALIMCO, NCSCDA Dimapur, Angel Home Dimapur, Social Welfare Department, Blessed Bonding, Prodigals’ Home, National State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), DDRC Dimapur and DDLSA observed the day at IMC Hall Dimapur.
In his speech special guest, Chairperson, Nagaland State Human Rights Comission, Justice Songkhupchung Serto emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique abilities in every individual. He said while celebrating the unbreakable bond of love between parents and children, and equality among all people, the commitment to the cause of inclusivity should also be strengthened.
He called for a shift in language, mentioning that the day should be called the “International Day of Differently Abled Persons” instead of “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” as all individuals possess distinct talents and strengths.
He said each person has been wonderfully created in God’s image, with a unique purpose. He encouraged everyone to focus on their abilities rather than limitations and strive to be the best version of themselves.
He also touched on the importance of resilience, seeking wisdom from God and others, and being inclusive. On government support, he informed that there were many benefits provided by the central government, but “I have not seen much in our state”.
He said the scholarships and pensions offered “don’t seem to match the size of our country”.
Citing examples of old aged pension, where Rs. 200 per month was paid to those aged 60 to 70, and Rs. 500 for those 80 years and above, he said it was too little, especially for a country that boast of becoming the third largest economy in a few years. He underscored, the lack of inclusiveness, urging the people to advocate.
He also recalled his recent visit to Delhi for a meeting on elderly people, where the UN Country Commissioner praised India’s progress but pointed out the country’s ongoing shortcomings in providing support for the elderly and differently abled.
Songkhupchung further called for greater focus on improving these systems, particularly in the Northeastern states, to ensure that all individuals are included and supported.
Exodus DPO, president, Rongsen Jamir, in his short sharing spoke on the organization’s progress, noting that it has 696 registered persons with disabilities in Dimapur and Chumoukedima.
He highlighted key achievements, including the issuance of 185 Unique Disability ID cards, 77 free travel ID cards for Public transport under NST for person with Disabilities, and 200 AAY ration cards. They also provided one year computer training financed by National Career Service Centre and connected to the Employment Exchange Office in Purana Bazaar, and noted that they are still working on getting railway concession Cards, which will be processed in Lumding, Assam
Rongsen emphasized the challenges, particularly the lack of ramps in public spaces and government buildings. He urged authorities to improve accessibility.
Other highlights of the program included, short sharing from Blessed Bonding, Dr. Villo Naleo, NSDF Member, Itwapungbe, representative from DDLSA (RPwD Act), District Welfare Office Dimapur, Senior Inspector, Shikato Zhimo, RD Block Dhansiripar, NSRLM, Nsungbeni Kinghen, BPM and special presentation from Angel Home, Dimapur and Special Olympics Nagaland.
Earlier, the program was chaired by vice president, Nagaland Association for the Blind, Initoli Zhimo, invocation by, Missionary to the blind, Puilinbou, welcome address by Rehabilitation officer NCSCDA Dimapur, Abdu Saleem Tk, vote of thanks by NSDF Member, Inaholi Zhimo and benedictions by Angel Home Dimapur, Sr. Anna and Aids & Appliances Distribution by PMDK Dimapur.
MOKOKCHUNG: In Mokokchung, the programme to mark the day was organized by Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Mokokchung, and Mokokchung District Disabled Forum (MDDF) , at Opangkong Salang, Mokokchung.
According to DIPR, the theme speaker of the event was Maong Jamir, secretary of Finance and Property, ABAM.
Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the societal neglect of PwDs in comparison to other nations where they celebrated as a blessing. He called for natural and positive acceptance of PwDs and quoted biblical references to stress the transformative power of achieving greatness despite challenges.
He also called upon the churches to undertake missions focused on empowering PwDs.
At the programme, short speeches were delivered by Temsuchuba, SDO (C) Mokokchung, Imtipokyim, general secretary, Ao senden, I Lipok Jamir, president , Mokokchung Ao Officers Telongjem and Vesupra Kezo, Sr. SP Mokokchung.
The programme was chaired by Asanaro Kichu, Area coordinator, NSRLM, Mokokchung, invocation and benediction prayers by Lanukumzuk, pastor, Khar Baptist Church and Benjongsenla, APW Chuchuyimpang Baptist Church.
A special song by PWDs, Opangtemla and special prayer for PWDs by Kikum Longkumer, pastor, Kumlong Baptist Church were the highlights of the progarmme.
Earlier the welcome address was delivered by Moatoshi, Assistant District Programme Manager, NSRLM Mokokchung while significance of the day was shared by Arenlila Jamir, advisor, MDDF.
President of MDDF informed that aides and benefits for all the PwDs will be provided from February 17 to 19, 2025. He reminded all the PwDs to produce their UDID cards to avail the benefits.