The State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) and the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and with support of PARIVAAR-NCPO (National Confederation of Parents Organization), organised a One-Day Training-cum-Orientation Programme for HITARTH Sahayaks for the effective implementation and promotion of the NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme under the National Trust.
The programme brought together HITARTH Sahayaks (volunteers), parents and guardians of persons with disabilities, members of NAPAD, and officers and staff of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Social Welfare Department.
The programme was attended by Tongpang L Jamir, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, as the keynote speaker, along with Theodore Yanthan, NCS, Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department and Secretary, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Imlongzenla, Joint Director, Social Welfare Department.
In his keynote address, Jamir shared the challenges encountered during the implementation of the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme and highlighted the pivotal role played by PARIVAAR-NCPO, in collaboration with Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) a US based NGO, in facilitating its effective implementation. He appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders and emphasized that such collaborative partnerships have been instrumental in strengthening the scheme’s outreach and ensuring that its benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
He urged all the HITARTH Sahayaks to carry out their responsibilities with dedication and commitment, underscoring their crucial role in the successful implementation of the Niramaya Scheme. He further stressed that sustained coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders are essential for the effective implementation of not only the Niramaya Scheme but also other welfare programmes aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The Commissioner also elaborated on the rationale behind the National Trust covering only four categories of disabilities under the Niramaya Scheme—Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities. He explained that the National Trust was established with the specific mandate of safeguarding the rights and welfare of individuals with these developmental disabilities, who often require lifelong care, continuous support, and substantial financial resources for healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and independent living. The scheme is therefore designed to address the unique and long-term needs of this particularly vulnerable section of society.
In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner extended his best wishes to all the HITARTH Sahayaks and expressed confidence that their dedicated efforts would significantly contribute to the effective implementation of the Niramaya Scheme and the overall advancement of the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
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Imlongzenla, Joint Director, Social Welfare Department, stated that the department would extend its support in creating greater awareness about the NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme and the importance of obtaining a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. She informed the gathering that the department has dedicated staff to assist with matters relating to UDID and assured the participants that the Social Welfare Department would continue to extend necessary support to persons with disabilities.
The technical sessions covered various aspects relating to disability, NIRAMAYA and the HITARTH initiative. Ashe Kiba, Programme Coordinator, SCPD, delivered a session providing an introduction to disability and related perspectives. Mary Lotha, General Secretary, NAPAD, spoke in detail on the NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme under the National Trust, including its relevance and benefits for eligible persons with disabilities.
Kielie Nakhro, Secretary, North East Zone, PARIVAAR-NCPO, conducted a session on the HITARTH Scheme, explaining the role and responsibilities of HITARTH Sahayaks in facilitating enrolment and creating awareness about NIRAMAYA among eligible beneficiaries.
The programme was chaired by Ruvuorienuo Juliana, Supervisor, SCPD while Bendangenla Imsong, Finance Secretary, NAPAD, delivered the welcome address. Sanen Amer, Coordinator, NAPAD, invoked God’s presence and Marlong Longkumer, First President of NAPAD, shared a brief profile of the association, highlighting its journey and continued efforts towards the welfare, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Adding a special element to the programme, The Special Squad presented a dance performance which was warmly appreciated by the gathering.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kevirhebi Mor, Executive Member, NAPAD, who expressed gratitude to the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Social Welfare Department, PARIVAAR-NCPO, resource persons, HITARTH Sahayaks, parents, members of NAPAD and all participants for their support and active participation.
The training programme is expected to strengthen the network of HITARTH Sahayaks in Nagaland and contribute towards greater awareness, enrolment and accessibility of the NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme among eligible persons with disabilities across the State.
It is to be noted that HITARTH Sahayaks from each districts have been appointed for the implementation of the Niramaya Scheme. For more information, interested persons and parents/guardians of the PWDs with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities and Multiple Disabilities can contact the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities at the given No. 8575858081 during office hours.
