SHILLONG, APR 24: Minister in-charge Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Timothy D Shira on Friday distributed aids and assistive devices to 584 beneficiaries comprising Divyangjan and senior citizens from different parts of North Garo Hills district.
The free distribution programme organized by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) – as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – in collaboration with the district administration and the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), North Garo Hills, with the objective of supporting persons with disabilities and elderly citizens by improving their mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Addressing the gathering, Shira lauded IOCL for its significant CSR contribution towards uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities and senior citizens through the free distribution of assistive devices.
He also appreciated the efforts of the District Administration and the DSWO for conducting extensive assessment camps and groundwork to identify genuine beneficiaries across the district, ensuring that the support reaches the most vulnerable sections of society.
The Minister expressed hope that the initiative would go a long way in making the lives of senior citizens and persons with disabilities easier, more dignified, and self-reliant.
He further acknowledged the role of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) in producing quality assistive appliances that continue to ease the lives of many persons with disabilities across the country.
It may be mentioned that ALIMCO is the only public sector undertaking in India engaged in the manufacturing of assistive devices and appliances for persons with orthopaedic, visual, hearing, and intellectual disabilities.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner D Abhishek Saini reiterated the commitment of the government and district administration towards the welfare of vulnerable sections.
He stated that the doors of the government and administration are always open for people in need of support.
The Deputy Commissioner further urged the DSWO to continue going the extra mile to ensure maximum benefits reach the deserving beneficiaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Manager, IOCL, Malati Malakar, said that IOCL is not only fuelling vehicles and households through petrol and LPG, but is also contributing towards the spirit of Viksit Bharat through social welfare initiatives.
She described the distribution of assistive devices as a small token of gratitude for the contributions made by the beneficiaries to society over the years, and a step towards enabling persons with disabilities to live a life of dignity and self-reliance.
In her welcome address, District Social Welfare Officer Norimchi Sangma informed that the successful implementation of the programme was made possible through the relentless guidance and financial support of the Deputy Commissioner, which enabled the conduct of assessment camps across all the four blocks of North Garo Hills district.
By Our Reporter
