The disabled in the state has continued to be a neglected lot with every public departments and government authorities continuing to provide lip-service without even attempting to alleviate their plight despite assurances and legislations. Md Yunus Khan, Secretary, The Disabled Development Association Manipur (DDAM), in a press release today highlighted the deplorable condition in which the handicapped persons were made to spend their lives. Mentioning various welfare measures announced such as the Marriage Incentive for the disabled announced in 2013 by the government, PWD Act. 1995-1996 which promised free education till the age of 18 years for the handicapped etc, the release sought the attention of the state government to implement these incentives as promised. The release further drew attention to the fact that openings for jobs and other employment opportunities in various departments have so far failed to provide adequate opportunities to disabled persons, and the interest of these people have not been taken into consideration so far. On a positive note, the release applauded the decision of L Nabakishore, Chief Secretary in selecting an experienced and enthusiastic individual who have worked tirelessly for the welfare of the disabled as the Director of Social Welfare Department and expressed hope that the long-awaited incentives and measures to alleviate the plight of the disabled will be implemented at the earliest. DDAM also congratulated L Amarendra Sharma on being awarded the ‘National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities’ by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for his relentless endeavor to elevate the conditions of the disabled persons.
