Website for Online trading of Santipur Handlooms is ready

We have developed a website for online trading/ sale of Santipur handloom product. Trial page is available at http://210.211.249.113/feelhandloom_com/website/project.php.

Suggestions can be emailed to me.

Interaction with disabled persons at Krishnagar Town hall library - Apeal to fight Apathy at all levels

I got the opportunity to attend Pratibandi Mela (Annual Disability Fair) organised by Nadia Pratibandi Kalyan Samity at Krishnagar Town library ground. Dr Basudev Mondal, a well known doctor and social worker is the inspiring personality who could ensure smile at the faces of poor disabled through welfare and medicare measures. More than 300 disabled persons and their families attended the Mela cum help camp.

I am happy to not that the organisers could reach to a large number of mentally retarded persons throughout the district. Dedication of Dr Mondal and his team is appreciable and unparalleled.

There are several schemes for the welfare of the disabled and social security to them. We are trying our best to bring each eligible persons with disabilities under the coverage of monthly pension of Rs 500 in the form of disability pension, besides providing them aids & appliances. Mainstream in school education through dedicated special educators from Sarva Shiksha Mission has been effective in bringing lots of disabled to schools. District Administration Nadia have been honoured at National Welfare for good work for welfare of disabled.

I interacted with some of the participant disabled persons and their parents during my visit. Some of the responses are noted here to sensitise the concerned service providers in public and private sectors :

• District Administration requested bus owners associations to allow 50 % concessional fare to persons with disabilities, but it is not being honoured by most of private operators in absence of any legal obligations. I feel the social responsibility of these operators should make them change their attitude. One feel the pain when poor parents bringing their mentally retarded child to schools in Krishnagar on regular basis face financial crisis.
• 3 % of beneficiaries under all centrally sponsored schemes should cover persons with disabilities or legal guardians mandatory. But, most of the GPs don't follow the legal obligation. Persons of these categories allege partisan response of GPs. Situation must change. In the current financial year only there 600 houses reserved for persons with disabilities. If their legitimate claim is given to them it will be a great service to the community by the GPs. Similarly, under all pensions, district can cover more than 1200 disabled persons in the current year. Response at most of the GPs, Blocks and line department offices needs change of approach.
• Cost of treatment to mentally retarded is beyond their capacity. SAHAY, SFC, TwFC, DIAF etc can be used for the benefit of these persons.
• NREGA programme can cover more families with disabled persons, taking care that they are engaged in works which they can perform.

Any body who is aggrieved disabled person can file petition with DM Nadia, who is also Additional Commissioner Disabilities for legal protection and directions to public authorities to get the legitimate rights under Persons with disability Act (PWD Act).

Readers may send their response/ suggestions.

District level sports of National Child Labour Project schools in Nadia

100 NCLP schools are running in Nadia district by District Administration Nadia through NGOs/ Registered Societies. There are 5000 Child labourers studying in these schools, majority of them engaged in hazardous industries and processes. Each child attending the schools is given free meal, health check up by dedicated doctors and Rs 100 pm.

Sports competitions were organised for these children at Zonal levels recently. Final events were organised at district level on 7th February 2009 where more than 150 children participated.