Nagaland state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Deithono Nakhro voiced out in bringing a change, especially in the state of Nagaland where persons with disabilities still face stigmas and discriminations.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Deithono Nakhro has raised concerns on the very challenging phase being faced by its community where she stood firm to bring about a change within the mindset of the Naga society.
Speaking as the special guest at the launching programme of social networking platform, Hamari Vaani, held on Tuesday at Conference Hall, Tourist Lodge, Dimapur, former editor of a new paper in the state Deithono voiced out in bringing a change, especially in the state of Nagaland where persons with disabilities still face stigmas and discrimination.
She said organising the kind of programme where people of the same community could share their thoughts is a platform and a ‘lifeline bridge” within.
Deithono also went on to add that the PwDs needing information about government schemes or employment opportunities were unable to access the same on time citing reasons thereby missing out on opportunities.
Expounding that “Hamari Vaani” is so much more than just a platform (app), she, however, said the app is a solution that a group of people came up with a “solution” to ensure that the disabled communities do not remain unaware when it comes to service opportunities available for them.
Reflecting that Naga society off-late has seen progress in terms of PwDs, she said that there are many more things to be through to reach an “acceptable level”.
Stating that though there are still “loopholes” and negligence for the PwDs from both the state government as well as the society, she said accessibility, inclusive education or equal opportunities and participation in the society have been well appreciated. She pointed out that it is a “moral imperative” that the many children with disabilities still cannot acquire education simply because of the “educational system” is inaccessible to the PwDs.
Saying that even in the case of adults with disabilities, the state commissioner for PwDs said they cannot venture out of their homes because of the “environment” created by not enabling them.
Organized by Prodigals’ Home, and supported by EnAble India, regional director, Shijo Joseph, through a slide presentation explained how users could access “Hamari Vaani” through a simple mobile phone which requires no internet connection by simply dialling-9266344222 named “Hamari Vaani” in Hindi.
He also shared how users could share and connect on different topics including employment, solutions to overcome disabilities, information about disability opportunities and others.
Shijo also disclosed that though the facility is available only in Hindi at the moment, but EnAble is working towards introducing English, especially for those residents of the northeast.
Also present in the programme was Nochet Longkumer, from the labour department, Dimapur, who highlighted on the different schemes and loans available for persons with disabilities in Nagaland including the upcoming loan mela collaborating with the National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation (NHFDC) to provide concessional credit for the benefit of the persons with disabilities defined in PwD Act 2016 for starting any activities (business establishment or entrepreneurial livelihood etc.
Moderated by Kewimadanlu, the programme started with an invocation prayer by youth director, MBCD, Rove Kape, while director, Prodigal’s Home, K Ela welcomed the gatherings.