Day: October 17, 2014

IMPHAL, October 17: A 15 day workshop on Barrier Free Campaign organised by the Handicapped Development Foundation (HDF) under the theme `Let us smile together, let us work together`™ was inaugurated at the Manipur Press Club today.

Speaking as the chief guest, Disability commissioner L Ibomcha Singh said attitudinal barriers that often lead to discrimination cannot be overcome simply through laws.

The best remedy is familiarity, getting people with and without disability to mingle as co-workers, associates and social acquaintance and eventually most of the attitudes will give way to comfort, respect and friendship, he added.

He also stated that laws assuring the participation of persons with disabilities in offices or organisations to develop society where each and every person should avail equal opportunities must be implemented.

Opportunities lost and non participation is not only a loss for the individual but also a loss for the society, he stressed.

Ibomcha Singh further asserted that society needed to understand why and how barriers must be removed to bring equality for all.

Delivering the keynote address, HDF general secretary Dr S Jasobanta Singh said a barrier free environment is one in which people can move around safely, independently and without restrictions.

Accentuating the importance of a barrier free society which can fulfil the needs of all the people equally, he said the necessity for a barrier free environment needs to be highlighted as it concerns not only persons with disabilities but all sections of the society to improve the situation.

The fourth edition of the journal `Matamgi Shingnaba` and a leaflet of the Barrier Free Campaign was also released by the chief guest and post metric scholarships for persons with disabilities for the academic year 2014-2015 was also handed out to the students.

Meanwhile, SSA state coordinator Joyrani spoke on `Accessibility in the educational institution`™ while rehabilitation psychologist at the office of the State commissioner for persons with disabilities, L Dhaneshwor Singh dwelt at length on `The role of society to promote barrier free environment as AMJWU vice-president Ratan Luwangcha spoke on `the role of media to promote barrier free environment` as resource persons.

A traffic police official highlighted the role of the traffic police in promoting a barrier free environment.

Retired Art and Culture joint director Sapam Bheigya Singh and HD chairman Dr Ch Rupachandra Singh also graced the function as the guest of honour and president.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/making-society-barrier-free-first-step-to-uplifting-the-handicapped/

IMPHAL, October 17: The steering down protest of the petroleum tankers who have been demanding separate dedicated CRPF escort today called off its agitation following an official order released by the Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur, in favour of the tankers.

It may be noted that the petroleum tankers stopped plying since October 10 in protest, under the aegis of the All Manipur Petroleum Transporters`™ Association (AMPTA) and All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers`™ Union (AMPTDU).

Speaking to IFP, Bhupenchandra Ghosh, executive members transporters union, stated that the factors that have led to the demand included establishing of five more check posts within Nagaland and exorbitant taxes imposed by these check posts.

He also elaborated that the FCS trucks sanctioned to lift only 9 tonnes worth commodities however the trucks are made to ferry goods over 20 tonnes at a time.

This has prompted the check post to impose additional fine of Rs. 500. Taking the advantage, these check posts started imposing taxes on the petroleum tankers, he said.

`Our main demands was reduction of the number of check posts and allotment of separate escorts`, continued Bhupenchandra.

He recalled that on September 1, 2014 representatives of AMPTA and AMPTDU, met with the Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi. The meeting was also attended by Minister of CAF&PD and DGP wherein the transporters reportedly served an ultimatum apprising of their collective plight.

Similar meeting was also held on September 19 afternoon, at the CAF&PD Minister`™s chamber. The same day, the transporter also met with the DGP, he said.

Despite repeated appraisal the Government remained indifferent following which it launch `steering down` protest, he added.

On October 13 another reminder was sent by the transporters. Moreover, endorsing the demands the same day, a senior depot manager of IOC, wrote to the CAF&P Minister, Chief Secretary and DGP to provide dedicated escort for the petroleum tankers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/steering-down-strike-called-off/

IMPHAL, Oct, 17: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, of Imphal District has admitted a case filed against Dr N Saratkumar Singh, professor & Head of Nephrology of Regional Institute of Medical Science, RIMS.

The case has been filed against Dr Saratkumar, for allegedly defying the guidelines provided by National AIDS Control Organisation, regarding obtaining informed consent of the patient prior to HIV test.

Thangjam Sanjoo of Uripok Tourangbam Leikai had complained to the consumer forum that his wife was sent for HIV testing without prior consent and counselling, when he along with his wife went to consult Dr Saratkumar on September 28.

Sanjoo has sought Rs 20 lakhs as compensation from the said doctor.

President of the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, Naorem Dwijamani, along with other members have admitted the case on October 14, and further proceeding has been scheduled on November 6.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/compensation-sought-for-hiv-test-without-consent/

UKHRUL, October 17: Calling for a need to revamp the existing education system in western Ukhrul, the Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long (ZTKL) on Friday kicked off a two-day seminar on education reformation at Dr. Earl E Brock Training Centre, TBCA, Mission Compound at Ukhrul district headquarters.

Speaking as the resource person on day first, Ngathingshim Lunghar, MCS elaborated upon the topic `Redefining the idea of schooling `. He observed that there is a need for all concerned to recognize the varied backgrounds of school children and deal with them accordingly at learning places.

Further noting that students need to be motivated to inculcate in them a sense of responsibility in attending classes, he suggested that they should be made to understand their own targets to begin with and their desire to come to schools would follow automatically.

During the program, the zingtun Tangkhul public in attendence also minutely deliberated upon the ideas put forth by the speaker so as to help strengthen the functioning of schools operating in western Ukhrul areas.

Meanwhile, earlier during the day ZTKL also felicitated 13 successful candidates from western Ukhrul who cracked MCS, MPSC and UPSC in recent years at a felicitation function held at Ukhrul Town Hall.

Among them are Athem Muivah, IAS 2012, Ngathingshim Lunghar MCS, MPSC topper 2014, RN Soreithem, Indian Statistics Service UPSC 2012, Ng Yirmayai Indian Economic Service UPSC 2014, Leishingam Khayi, Indian Economic Service 2014, Ngasampam Rungsung (AE) MPSC 2014, Shinmila Hungyo Khayi (SO) MPSC 2014, Shingriwung Shangjam (SO) MPSC 2014, Themchan Woleng ( SO) 2014, VL Mayoshang (SO) 2014, RM Yarmi Asst. Commandant UPSC 2013, Nganingmi Raingam Asst Commandant UPSC 2012 and RM Rammung IRS-UPSC 2014.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/ztkl-kicks-off-twoday-seminar-on-education-reformation/