International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed across Bishnupur, Pherzawl and Kangpokpi

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed today across Bishnupur, Pherzawl, and Kangpokpi districts, with officials, organisations, and community members calling for stronger inclusion, improved accessibility, and sustained support for persons with disabilities (PwDs) under the global theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Bishnupur District:
In Bishnupur, the district-level observance was held at Kyamba Ningshing Shanglen, organised by the District Social Welfare Office in collaboration with DDRC Bishnupur, Manipur Guidance Centre Imphal, and the Society for Empowerment of the Disabled, Moirang.
Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam said PwDs have repeatedly shown excellence in education, sports, culture and the arts when provided proper guidance and opportunities. She urged District Level Officers to prioritise accessibility in all government schemes and ensure user-friendly delivery of services for PwDs.
Chief Medical Officer L. Raichandra and District Social Welfare Officer Nikita Thangjam attended as dignitaries.
As part of the observance, an Integrity Fashion Show was presented, followed by cultural performances by students of Thangjing Special School, Moirang, and flute and Leima Jagoi presentations by students of the Special School for PwDs, Nambol Mongjing. Gifts were distributed to participating PwDs.
Pherzawl District:
In Pherzawl, the programme was jointly organised by the District Administration and the District Social Welfare Office at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall.
ADC and In-charge DSWO Joel G. Haokip said the day serves as a reminder to protect the rights and dignity of differently abled persons. He called for a shift from charity-driven approaches to genuine inclusion, equal access to welfare schemes and active participation in decision-making.
Guest of Honour Dr. Hmanglamkhup Kom stressed the need to recognise the abilities of PwDs and provide equal opportunities without discrimination.
Deputy Commissioner Mannuamching said changing attitudes have helped reduce stigma over the years. Highlighting government efforts, she noted the three percent reservation for PwDs in state job vacancies and urged all government officers to promote inclusivity. She added that the upcoming Mini Secretariat in Pherzawl will include ramps and other accessibility features.
Cash assistance and incentives were distributed to six persons with disabilities. The event was attended by officials of ICDS, District Level Officers, staff, and families of PwDs.
Kangpokpi District:
In Kangpokpi, the District Administration and District Social Welfare Office marked the day at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall.
Lamminlal Simte, In-charge District Social Welfare Officer, appreciated the Deputy Commissioner for organising an event dedicated to persons with disabilities and emphasised the need to build confidence, uphold dignity and ensure PwDs are fully recognised as integral members of society. He informed that various schemes—from scholarships and caregiver cards to livelihood support—are available for PwDs under both the Central and State governments.
He also said data would be submitted to the Chief Medical Officer to facilitate coordinated medical support in partnership with the District Administration.
PwDs attending the programme expressed gratitude to the administration for recognising their needs but highlighted continuing challenges, including pending applications and unprocessed assistance requests.
As part of the programme, blankets and essential items were distributed to 10 persons with disabilities in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, symbolising the district’s commitment to supporting the community.
The programme was attended by Lamminlal Simte, AC to DC, SDO-Champai (In-charge District Social Welfare), SDOs, the Chief Medical Officer, ICDS officials, District Level Officers, PwDs and their families.