DIMAPUR: State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) and the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and supported by PARIVAAR NCPO, organised a one day Training cum Orientation Programme for HITARTH Sahayaks to strengthen implementation and promotion of the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme under the National Trust.
The programme brought together HITARTH Sahayaks (volunteers), parents and guardians of persons with disabilities, members of NAPAD, and officials of SCPD and the Social Welfare Department.
Delivering the keynote address, Tongpang L. Jamir, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted challenges in implementing the Niramaya Scheme and acknowledged the pivotal role of PARIVAAR NCPO in collaboration with Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP), a US based NGO. He appreciated the collective efforts of stakeholders and urged Sahayaks to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, stressing that sustained coordination is essential for effective implementation of welfare programmes for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
Jamir explained that the National Trust covers only four categories of disabilities under the Niramaya Scheme-Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities-as these require lifelong care, continuous support and substantial financial resources. He expressed confidence that the dedicated efforts of HITARTH Sahayaks would contribute significantly to the welfare and inclusion of PwDs.
Joint Director, Social Welfare Department, Imlongzenla, assured departmental support in creating awareness about the Niramaya Scheme and the importance of obtaining a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. She informed that dedicated staff are available to assist with UDID matters.
Technical sessions were conducted by Ashe Kiba, Programme Coordinator SCPD, who introduced disability perspectives; Mary Lotha, general secretary NAPAD, who elaborated on the Niramaya Scheme; and Kielie Nakhro, secretary North East Zone, PARIVAAR NCPO, who explained the HITARTH initiative and the role of Sahayaks in facilitating enrolment and awareness.
The programme was chaired by Ruvuorienuo Juliana, Supervisor SCPD. Bendangenla Imsong, finance secretary NAPAD, delivered the welcome address, while Sanen Amer, Coordinator NAPAD, invoked God’s presence. Marlong Longkumer, first president NAPAD, shared a brief profile of the association. A cultural performance was presented by The Special Squad.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kevirhebi Mor, executive member NAPAD, who expressed gratitude to SCPD, Social Welfare Department, PARIVAAR NCPO, resource persons, HITARTH Sahayaks, parents and participants for their support.
For more information, parents/guardians of PwDs with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities and Multiple Disabilities may contact the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities at 8575858081 during office hours.
