Press Release
DC Namchi Chairs First Meeting on Rehabilitation and Empowerment of PwDs
Information & Public Relations Department
Namchi, August 26 (IPR): The initial meeting on the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and monitoring of the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, was spearheaded under the Chairmanship of the District Collector, Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling, today, at the Office of the District Collector, District Administrative Centre, Namchi.
During the meeting, the DC briefed the house on the key provisions and objectives of the RPwD Act, 2016, which seeks to safeguard the rights, dignity and equal opportunities of PwDs and to promote their inclusion and accessibility.
DC also placed special emphasis on facilitating the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card for PwDs, stressing on the need for a simplified process ensuring that eligible persons, particularly children with disabilities, are not left out. She also highlighted that access to several government benefits and welfare schemes is linked to proper disability certification and UDID registration, for which she directed all the concerned stakeholders to ensure wider coverage and timely assistance.
Further, the DC also highlighted the importance of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the visually impaired located at Boomtar, Namchi, as a valuable institution in providing support and services to children with special needs. She further stressed that the institution should receive due attention and should not be neglected, and stated that regular awareness programmes and activities should be facilitated within the institution and urged its representatives to sensitise concerned parents and guardians about the training opportunities, including relevant online training programmes that are being made available to their wards.
DC also briefed the gathering on various measures for improving existing services and addressing gaps in the delivery of disability-related welfare and support mechanisms.
Lastly, the DC also stressed the need for regular and timely awareness programmes and camps to ensure that information on various governmental schemes, rights, services, training opportunities and welfare benefits reaches the PwDs and their families, particularly those in far flung remote areas.
Addressing the house, Sr SP Namchi, Ms Sonam Dolma Bhutia, suggested that the representatives of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the Blinds consider conducting periodic police verification of employees, particularly temporary staff members, as a precautionary measure to strengthen the safety and security of children. Further, she also highlighted the need for appropriate coordination among committee members while addressing various issues related to the welfare and protection of PwDs.
Accordingly, Social Welfare Officer (SWO), Namchi, Mr Shyam S Pradhan, briefed the gathering on the ongoing efforts towards the rehabilitation and empowerment of PwDs and the monitoring of the implementation of the RPwD Act, 2016, laying emphasis on inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation of disability-related welfare programmes. The SWO further highlighted the importance of participation from health authorities, police, legal services, NGOs, representatives of PwDs and other stakeholders to address the diverse needs and requirements of PwDs.
Further, the SWO also highlighted the provision where a grant award of 2 lakh shall be provided to an eligible non-disabled individual who enters into a lawful marriage with a person with disability.
Likewise, the SWO also laid emphasis on creating awareness among PwDs about the importance of proper documentation to avail benefits and opportunities in transportation, employment, education, and other sectors.
The meeting also discussed measures for coordinated efforts among departments and stakeholders to ensure that no person with disability, especially children, is left behind in accessing their rights, services and entitlements under the RPwD Act, 2016.
Also present during the meeting were SDM Namchi (HQ) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, CMO Namchi Ms Junita Yonzone, DCPO Namchi Ms Pema W Bhutia and officers from the concerned department.
During the meeting, the DC briefed the house on the key provisions and objectives of the RPwD Act, 2016, which seeks to safeguard the rights, dignity and equal opportunities of PwDs and to promote their inclusion and accessibility.
DC also placed special emphasis on facilitating the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card for PwDs, stressing on the need for a simplified process ensuring that eligible persons, particularly children with disabilities, are not left out. She also highlighted that access to several government benefits and welfare schemes is linked to proper disability certification and UDID registration, for which she directed all the concerned stakeholders to ensure wider coverage and timely assistance.
Further, the DC also highlighted the importance of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the visually impaired located at Boomtar, Namchi, as a valuable institution in providing support and services to children with special needs. She further stressed that the institution should receive due attention and should not be neglected, and stated that regular awareness programmes and activities should be facilitated within the institution and urged its representatives to sensitise concerned parents and guardians about the training opportunities, including relevant online training programmes that are being made available to their wards.
DC also briefed the gathering on various measures for improving existing services and addressing gaps in the delivery of disability-related welfare and support mechanisms.
Lastly, the DC also stressed the need for regular and timely awareness programmes and camps to ensure that information on various governmental schemes, rights, services, training opportunities and welfare benefits reaches the PwDs and their families, particularly those in far flung remote areas.
Addressing the house, Sr SP Namchi, Ms Sonam Dolma Bhutia, suggested that the representatives of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the Blinds consider conducting periodic police verification of employees, particularly temporary staff members, as a precautionary measure to strengthen the safety and security of children. Further, she also highlighted the need for appropriate coordination among committee members while addressing various issues related to the welfare and protection of PwDs.
Accordingly, Social Welfare Officer (SWO), Namchi, Mr Shyam S Pradhan, briefed the gathering on the ongoing efforts towards the rehabilitation and empowerment of PwDs and the monitoring of the implementation of the RPwD Act, 2016, laying emphasis on inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation of disability-related welfare programmes. The SWO further highlighted the importance of participation from health authorities, police, legal services, NGOs, representatives of PwDs and other stakeholders to address the diverse needs and requirements of PwDs.
Further, the SWO also highlighted the provision where a grant award of 2 lakh shall be provided to an eligible non-disabled individual who enters into a lawful marriage with a person with disability.
Likewise, the SWO also laid emphasis on creating awareness among PwDs about the importance of proper documentation to avail benefits and opportunities in transportation, employment, education, and other sectors.
The meeting also discussed measures for coordinated efforts among departments and stakeholders to ensure that no person with disability, especially children, is left behind in accessing their rights, services and entitlements under the RPwD Act, 2016.
Also present during the meeting were SDM Namchi (HQ) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, CMO Namchi Ms Junita Yonzone, DCPO Namchi Ms Pema W Bhutia and officers from the concerned department.
