Local Level Committee meeting for the differently-abled held at Gyalshing

GYALSHING, 06 May [IPR]: Local Level Committee (LLC) meeting for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities was held here at the Community Hall on 05 May under the chairmanship of DC, West, Santa Pradhan who is also the District Convener of the committee. Appointment of guardians and screening of disability was also conducted during the meeting.
DC, West in his address said that the main role of the LLC is to protect the rights and promote the interest of persons with disabilities as per the National Trust Act and also to monitor and coordinate schemes, programmes, initiatives of the government from time to time.
He further said that despite all the benefits provided by the government, some section of people are still deprived due to the lack of proper documentation. He urged the panchayats and NGO members to identify such persons and bring it to the notice of the DC office. He informed that assistance may be sought from the DC Benevolent Fund for some time.
Social Welfare Officer, West informed the gathering on the criteria under which persons with disabilities are entitled to government benefits. Scholarships to the school going students are also provided by the government, he added.
Official from HRDD, Ram Dhakal spoke on the role and objectives of the LLC and guardianship of the disabled person. He said such persons who wish to pursue their studies are also protected under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Further, he informed the role of the Niramaya Health Insurance, under National Trust, GOI under which BPL disabled families can avail of benefits for treatment.
The day also witnessed a health check-up by Ophthalmologist, Dr. Karma and Orthodontist, Dr. Deokota.
Earlier, a welcome address was proposed by SDM, Bandana Rai and the programme was well conducted by OS, LR & DM, Amber Gurung.
It is also informed that special health camp for Cleft Lip, Palate and Burnt cases, Post operative follow up pre-operative check up will be conducted free of cost by Dr. Satya Saraswat on 08 May at Gymnasium, Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on 10 May at Community Hall, Namchi and 12 May at Community hall, Gyalshing.