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Tura, December 4, 2025:
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed on Wednesday at the Dalu C&RD Block Multi-Facility Centre in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The programme was organised by the District Social Welfare Office in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Tura.

Smt. Tengrimbal A. Sangma, CDPO, Dalu ICDS Project, presided over the programme. In her introductory remarks, Smt. M.O. T. Sangma, District Social Welfare Officer, highlighted various State and Central schemes being implemented for persons with disabilities in the district. She emphasized the significance of the Day in promoting the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across all spheres of life.

Health check-up services were provided by Dr. Naomi Sangma, Senior Medical & Health Officer, along with staff from Dalu CHC. She also sensitised the participants on maintaining proper health and hygiene.

Awareness on Unique Disability ID (UDID) registration and its application process was delivered by Smt. Sujata Das, Manager, District Resource Centre for Disability Affairs, Tura Civil Hospital.

Addressing the gathering, John Cronin Ch. Sangma, District Legal Aid Defence Counsel from DLSA Tura, urged that persons with disabilities must be recognized as active and equal members of society. He encouraged parents and caregivers to nurture the strengths and talents of disabled individuals so they may progress confidently in life. He also spoke on key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and encouraged the community to avail free legal aid services.

Chief Guest of the programme, Saintfield Ch. Sangma, SDO, Dalu Civil Sub-Division, stated that the occasion serves to raise public awareness and support the dignity and well-being of persons with disabilities. He further urged beneficiaries to proactively voice their concerns and take advantage of various government welfare schemes, including the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme for PwDs.

The programme concluded with prize distribution followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Stern HB. Marak, Supervisor, District Social Welfare Office, West Garo Hills, Tura.