The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh provides financial assistance to individuals disabled due to leprosy. Over 12,000 such individuals receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from the state government.
Additionally, under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme of the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 12,000 to cover ‘loss of wages’ during free reconstructive surgery for those with leprosy-induced disabilities.
Leprosy, caused by the Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, nerves, respiratory tract and eyes. If untreated, it can lead to permanent disability.
According to Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kashyap, a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 is provided to individuals disabled due to leprosy and currently, 12,361 leprosy-affected individuals in the state are benefiting from this scheme.
He said, “Additionally, under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme of the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 12,000 to cover lost wages during free reconstructive surgery for those with leprosy-induced disabilities. Eligible recipients are those disabled by leprosy, whose income is below the poverty line, who are residents of Uttar Pradesh, of any age, and who are not receiving any other government pension.”
He clarified that the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department provides benefits to individuals disabled due to leprosy, not to those currently suffering from the disease.
He added, “Lifelong leprosy pensions are given to those disabled due to leprosy as livelihood support. Additionally, disabled individuals are offered free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses.”
Under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, managed by the Medical and Health department within the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh has registered 9,162 leprosy patients who are currently receiving treatment as of June 2024.
The minister also noted that the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department does not register leprosy patients. The chief medical officer issues disability certificates for those disabled due to leprosy.
