Distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices for Persons with Disabilites Central government has recognized Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) as an integral part of the human resource and is committed towards empowerment of PwDs in the country. A Samajik Adhikarita Shivir (Camp) for free distribution of aids and assistive devices for PwDs under the ADIP Scheme of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) was held at Gangtok, Sikkim today, where the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling; Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot; Smt. Tulsi Devi, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment & Welfare, Govt. of Sikkim and Shri Lov Verma, Secretary, DEPwD were present. For the first time 419 beneficiaries were identified in the State of Sikkim and Total Learning Material (TLM) Kits, Lap tops, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs, Braille Kits and other items, valued at Rs.32.00 lakh, were distributed to these identified beneficiaries. The Chief Minister of Sikkim welcomed the Union Minister Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot and announced that the Government of Sikkim shall undertake all possible steps for the development of PwDs. He informed that Special School for Hearing Impaired at Gangtok and Residential School for Visually Impaired at Buntar, South Sikkim and Rehabilitation Centre have been established at STNM Hospital at Gangtok. The State Government has already identified more than 9000 PwDs and Disability Pension @Rs.600 is being paid by the State Government. He reiterated the commitment of the State Government for supporting the RPwD Bill, 2014 and requested that a Composite Rehabilitation Centre may be established with the support of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Gangtok. He further stated that the Hon'ble Union Minister's presence at Gangtok re-affirms the love and affection of Hon'ble Prime Minister towards the people of Sikkim and his commitment for development of State of Sikkim. He also congratulated Ms. Ira Singhal, the first woman with disability, who has secured 1st Rank in the Civil Services Examination 2014, conducted by the UPSC. The Minister Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot assured the Chief Minister of Sikkim that all necessary support shall be provided by the Central Government for implementation of the Scheme of distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices (ADIP), Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), Scheme for District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs), Scheme of Cochlear Implant, Scheme for Vocational Training for PwDs and Braille Presses. For setting up of Industrial Development Centre under the SIPDA scheme of the Government, further support shall be provided. He assured support for a new Composite Rehabilitation Centre, a project which shall cost about Rs.60 crore. Secretary, DEPwD, Shri Lov Verma stressed the need for vocational training of PwDs and requested the State Government to ensure that 3% reservation in government jobs may be completed in the State and State of Sikkim may strive to be the first State to achieve the norm of 3% reservation.
