344/2023-2024

Aizawl, January 30, 2024: The Coal India Limited, Kolkata, Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation (DDSF), Andhra Pradesh and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), NHM Mizoram jointly organized free hearing aids distribution camp at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan at 3:00 PM yesterday. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati graces the occasion as the Chief Guest. In this function, Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga was the guest of honour.

Chief Guest Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati while mentioning the activities under first phase of free hearing aids distribution which was successfully held on 25th September, 2023 on the occasion of World Day of the Deaf, applauded the efforts rendered by Coal India Ltd, Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness, NHM Mizoram for chalking out second edition of this uplifting initiative.

Gonvernor thanked the donor for their noble services and at the same time, congratulated the beneficiaries. In his address, the Governor also stressed the needs to avail various welfare schemes under Central Govenrment such as Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing / fitting of aids /appliances (ADIP) Scheme under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In this connection, the Governor urged the State Government to make a concerted efforts to avail the various Central Government Schemes that are available for the beneficiaries.

As he congratulated all the beneficiaries received free hearing aids today, he conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Coal India Ltd., Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation and the Health Department Officals for successfully conducting the event.

On behalf of the state government, Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga lauded the useful services rendered by companies and the officials who are instrumental in this initiative. He, once again, reiteated that Mizoram Government's commitment to continue to pay attention to welfare of the disabled persons and support any initiative taken up for them.

Pi Esther Lalruatkimi, Principal Secretary, H&FW Department chaired the function. She also highlighted the activities of NPPCD. Pu Manash Pratim Dutta, General Manager, North Eastern Coalfield, Assam and Pu Thota Venkata Sarvarayadu, Independent Director, National Fertilizers Ltd. also highlighted performances and various activities taken up by Coal India Ltd. and Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation, respectively. Dr. Eric Zomawia, Mission Director, NHM proposed vote of thanks and concluded the event.

The hearing aids distributed through NPPCD are being implemented by the Coal India Ltd. through it's CSR scheme. Coal India Ltd. is working with Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation (DDSF) as it's NGO partner. In collaboration with them, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) staff are conducting the screening to identify the beneficiaries in Mizoram.

Through the second edition of free hearing aids distribution, camp will be conducted at Aizawl, Lunglei and Champhai districts. Today 207 hearing aids were distributed in Aizawl District, 30 at Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall and 177 at DHME Hall. As per schedule, 65 hearing aids will be distributed in Lunglei on January 30, 2024 and 67 at Champhai on 1st February, 2024. A total of 339 hearing aids will be distributed; these are worth Rs. 20,000/- to Rs 60,000/-, the total expenditure incurred is calculated around Rs. 80,00,000/-.