Punjab Government, observing the ‘International Day of Persons With Disability’ on Saturday, restored the conveyance allowance for its disable government employees. Extending another benefit to its PwD employees, the Government has allowed the disabled employees, with up to 40 percent disability, to seek transfers near their home-town. Earlier, the benefit was only for the people with 60 percent disability.

The decisions were announced by the state Social Justice Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljeet Kaur during the state-level event to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disability at Malout.

During the event, 12 disable persons were honoured with the State Awards. The Government also distributed Rs 57 lakh loan among 17 persons with disability, besides distributing artificial limbs, worth Rs 26 lakh, to 219 persons by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO). Addressing the gathering, the Minister announced that the conveyance allowance for disable government employees is restored today. “The scheme was discontinued during the implementation of Sixth Pay Commission last year…Also, from now onwards, all government disabled employees, with up to 40 percent disability, can seek transfers near their home-town,” she added.

The Minister also added that the State Government has focused its attention to acknowledge the issues faced by the disabled (PwD) in state; and the Government is committed to offer a platform to them to not only boost their level of confidence but also make them aware of more employment opportunities.