Awareness programme for the differently-abled held Kalimpong,

KNE ;The Milan Club with support from Kalimpong World Vision, India and ADP Himalaya organized an awareness programme for the disabled at the premises of the club today. The area’s GTA Sabhasad, Kazim Tshering Bhutia along with the Secretary of the club, Pema Sherpa was present during the programme.

 The Joint Director of Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, Dr MB Chettri who was the resource person for the programme informed the gathering about various types of diseases associated with the disabled. Saying that today’s programme is just the beginning, he added that success can only be attained if all individuals work united for this cause.

 This is not an issue only for a disabled person, but it is an issue for the whole society, thus, if this issue is not taken seriously, then the society and the nation can never develop, he stressed. Likewise, he also informed about various kinds of facilities and help for the differently abled. Chotey Lal Prasad, President of the Parvatoya Apang Kalyan Sangathan in his address said that though the government gives its first priority to the disabled, but no proper facilities are being provided, especially in the hills.

He also notified that those who are 40% disabled, he or she gets an identity certificate, but when times comes for getting facilities, only those who are 80% disabled benefits. Also under the 80% disabled case, APL and BPL are categorized. Thus, he demanded that all those who are 40% disabled should be getting all the facilities irrespective of the poverty line. He also insisted that the certification for the disabled should be written in Nepali instead of English and Bengali. He also hoped some help for the differently abled under the GTA.