NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, DEC 14
In an attempt to improve the facilities for the differently-abled persons, the state government had hiked the quantum of assistance through various schemes. The state cabinet also cleared a proposal form a corporation – Divyang Jan Corporation to look after the implementation of scheme.
Officials of the social justice and empowerment department said that the aid for disabled persons has been increased substantially in several schemes.
“The CM, in a recent ‘Mann Ni Moklaash’ programme, met and differently-abled persons and had interactions with them. Following representations received from them, several initiatives have been taken for welfare of the disabled,” said an official.
The grant for aid and appliances of disabled persons, which was Rs 10,000 since 2010, has been doubled to Rs 20,000. The government has hiked the monthly stipend to Rs. 2160 for those studying in ‘Divyang Gruhs’.
The government has also increased the grant for other schemes too.
According to department officials, about 1.8% of the state’s population consists of disabled individuals. In terms of numbers, between 12 and13 lakh persons in the state suffer from some form of disability.
Officials said the state government has also been implementing the central government’s unique disability ID (UDID) scheme and all disabled persons who register online will get a unique card that helps them avail benefits of various schemes. Disabled persons will also be able to use their UDID to avail concessions while travelling across the country by road, rail or air, officials said.
