SHILLONG, OCT 6: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday directed that the social welfare department come up with a single window system which will make the system simple especially in issuing of certificates to people with disabilities (PWDs).
“I would suggest the department to have a quick review on this besides taking up the issue with the district administration and come up with a single window system which will make the system simple,” Sangma said.
He felt this will ensure that the certificates issued can be delivered to the PWDs directly to their homes rather than them having to collect the same from the office of the concerned authority.
Stating that he has been alerted by the problem faced by the PWDs pertaining to availing of medical certificates, Sangma said, “We should have a mechanism in place to ensure a hindrance free system for them,” adding “If there are hurdles we need to find solution as it is not rocket science it only requires a compassionate heart and mind.”
The chief minister was addressing the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir and distribution programme of more than 600 aids and assistive devices worth Rs 15 lakh to over 139 persons with disabilities (PWDs) held in the city on Thursday.
Interestingly, smart canes and smart phones in ‘talking mode’ have been given for the first time for PWDs in Meghalaya.
The programme which is under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was organized by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) in collaboration with state Health Department and office of the MP, Rajya Sabha, Shillong.
The chief minister also informed that the state government has also embarked a number of legislative measures in sync with national objective to take care, provide a support system and empower the people in the form of social assistance.
Stating it is not confine only to the PWDs but also the infirm, single mothers and widows, Sangma said, “The department has been directed to ensure all those friends who are not captured as recipients of the social assistance scheme must be further assisted and capture.”
According to him, the approach of the state government has always been inclusive and its intention is to empower all sections of the citizens in the truest sense of the term and give the sense of general well-being.
Earlier in her speech, Rajya Sabha MP Wansuk Syiem said that the programme was the outcome of the assessment camp held in Khasi-Jaintia districts on June 14.
“Similar camps will also be held for the five districts of Garo Hills region within this year,” she informed.
Syiem had also got a pat on her back when the chief minister lauded her effort to help one of the most vulnerable sections of the society.
Later, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries personally handed over the aids and assistive devices to the beneficiaries.
Earlier, P&O Officer ALIMCO, Rajesh Das informed that the whole of Meghalaya would be covered under the programme. He also said that aids and appliances which were distributed cost around Rs 10, 000 and even above that.
Other present during the function were Secretary, Health HM Shangpliang, P&O Officer, ALIMCO, Guwahati, Rajesh Das and team, Liaison Officer to MP, Rajya Sabha, Loma N Jyrwa, several other officials, leaders of NGOs, agencies and institutions working for the welfare of the PWDs and family members of the PWDs.-By Our Reporter
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