PASIGHAT, Mar 31: A one-day awareness programme on Unique Disability ID (UDID) and various government welfare schemes for children with special needs (CWSN) was organized by H-Spring Foundation in collaboration with the ICDS, Department of Women and Child Development, at the H-Spring Integrated School, Diking village here today.
The programme aimed to enhance awareness among parents, caregivers, frontline workers, and stakeholders regarding the benefits of the UDID card and to improve access to various government services and schemes designed for CWSN.
Speaking as a resource person, Mailong Taku Padung, Deputy Director ICDS-cum-District Child Protection Officer, Dept of Women & Child Development, East Siang, expressed her appreciation for the initiative taken by the Foundation. She disseminated on 21 types of disabilities recognized under the Right of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
She also provided detailed information on key government schemes such as the Chief Minister’s Social Security Scheme (CMSSS), Ayushman Bharat, disability pension schemes, and non-institutional care under Mission Vatsalya.
DDICDS also emphasized the importance of proper prenatal care and safe institutional delivery for ensuring the health and well-being of children.
During the programme, she distributed application forms related to various welfare schemes and extended a personal contribution of Rs 10,000 to support the activities of H-Spring Foundation.
In her concluding remarks, she also spoke about the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, highlighting the importance of social awareness and child protection.
Earlier, in her welcome address, H-Spring Foundation chairperson Dr Oimang Megu highlighted the objectives of the programme. She emphasized the importance of educating parents and caregivers about government entitlements and underlined the role of the UDID card in promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.
She also stressed the need for stronger coordination between departments and organizations working for children with special needs.
The programme witnessed active participation from parents and caregivers of CWSN, staff and students of H-Spring Integrated School, and students from the Department of Social Work, Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat. (DIPRO)