DIL - a 24X7 Telephonic Information Service on disability - launched

GANGTOK, 04 Dec: Disability Information Line [DIL], a 24X7 Telephonic Information Service on disability, was launched by the Speaker, KT Gyaltsen, at the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre at STNM Hospital on the occasion of the World Disability Day on Saturday.

This is a project of Mumbai-based Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped in collaboration with the Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Department.
DIL is accessible round-the-clock [as a local call] on an Interactive Voice Response System as well as a call-centre facility on all working days during working hours. Call agents are trained to provide information on specific queries which may not have been covered in the IVRS. Information provided on DIL is expected to benefit persons with disabilities, parents, professionals, NGOs and the general public.
The launch, although significant, was however not very well attended, a lack of interest also noticed by the Speaker who expressed his displeasure over the lack of participation by concerned government departments “on such an important issue”.
“This is an important issue, but most of the concerned departments are not present here. Either they are not concerned about the welfare of this section of people, or not serious on different programmes and policies of the State government for this section,” he expressed.
Mr. Gyaltsen mentioned that policies, laws and Acts were clearly laid down, but for serious and proper enactment and implementation, more discussions and involvement were required.
The Speaker expressed his happiness on the launch of DIL and urged the concerned department to ensure that all programmes in this regard were implemented properly. He also stressed that to educate people is to empower and inspire them to deliver even better.
Chairman, Welfare Commission, BB Gooroong, mentioned that the State government has been working hard for the welfare of the people and to bring smiles and cheer in the lives of disabled persons in the state. He also mentioned that everyone should come forward to help out the differently-abled by interacting and speaking up on the challenges faced by this section of the people.
The function was also addressed by Special Secretary of SJE&WD, SK Shilall, Spastic Society of Sikkim general secretary, Dr BP Dhakal, DIL Project Co-ordinator, N Karthikeyan and Dr SK Dewan.
On the occasion of the World Disability Day, the Badhte Kadam Campaign was also flagged off by the Speaker. It was informed that this was a seven-day campaign and would cover all four districts in order to create awareness and spread information on disability and various Disability Acts.
DIL contact number for Sikkim is 03592-201181/204081 or at  dilnihh.sikkim@gmail.com.