Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, headed by commissioner Tongpang L. Jamir, conducted a series of inspections on May 25 to evaluate the status of welfare initiatives and accessibility across Nagaland government departments and residential facilities.
Discussions with the Nagaland State Transport department highlighted the difficulties of modifying buses for hilly terrain. Officials explained that high floor heights, reaching up to 1200 mm due to safety codes, prevent the installation of standard integrated ramps. To compensate, the department plans to provide portable wedge ramps at stations and introduce five low floor mini buses equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic lifts in Dimapur. Existing infrastructure already includes 13 ramps with handrails, five dedicated service counters, and eight accessible toilets across several districts.
During a review of the Dimapur District Disability Rehabilitation Centre, inspectors identified significant service gaps. The team emphasized the need for a dedicated center at the District Hospital and the urgent appointment of a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. They also called for more trained staff, including physiotherapists and orthotists, alongside better parking and financial aid for assistive equipment. Despite these gaps, the center has successfully manufactured or repaired 90 devices since 2021.
The commission also held meetings with staff at Prodigals’ Home to discuss their current service models for people with disabilities. Moving forward, the office expects to complete a project on disability-related terminology by the end of the year. Future plans include a state level NGO consultation and a meeting with Tribal Literature Boards scheduled for June 2026 to refine language and accessibility standards.
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