A one-day workshop on “Sensitization and Awareness on Disability Inclusion for Stakeholders” was held today at the Multipurpose Hall, DC Complex, Chandel. The event was jointly organized by the All Tribal Disabilities Union Manipur and the Centre for Women and Girls (CWG), with sponsorship from the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Manipur.

The workshop was attended by over 100 participants, including persons with disabilities, parents, guardians, and community leaders from across Chandel District. Key dignitaries present included Waikhom Birahari Singh, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Women; L. Dhaneshwar Singh, Deputy Director of Social Welfare; Moses Angam Paokhomal, Legal-Cum-Consultant, Office of the State Commissioner; and Hechin Haokip, Executive Director of the Centre for Women and Girls.

Resource persons for the workshop were T. Chuongsin Koireng, Member of the Manipur State Commission for Women, and Kwairakpam Budhinanda Singh, Research Scholar from the Department of Political Science, Manipur University.

T. Chuongsin Koireng highlighted various provisions and schemes available for persons with disabilities under the Social Welfare Department, Tribal Affairs and Hills, and RDNPR. She stressed the importance of the 5% reservation in poverty alleviation schemes and detailed the process of obtaining a Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card. She also called on the public to promote inclusive spaces in social, political, and religious spheres.

Kwairakpam Budhinanda Singh elaborated on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, emphasizing legal protections and entitlements.

Speaking on the structural framework, Moses Angam Paokhomal explained the role and responsibilities of the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Meanwhile, Hechin Haokip addressed the gaps in implementation, pointing out that despite government provisions, the lack of public awareness and accessible infrastructure continues to hinder meaningful inclusion.

Chairperson Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang supported the concerns raised and stressed the importance of such workshops in fostering awareness and responsiveness to the needs of the disabled community.

State Commissioner Waikhom Birahari Singh engaged directly with participants, addressed their queries, and shared cases undertaken by his office. He urged the attendees to approach his office with any challenges, assuring them of full support. As part of the program, mobility aids including wheelchairs and walking sticks were distributed to participants.

The event concluded with a collective call for greater societal responsibility and actionable steps toward disability inclusion across all sectors.