Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are taken care of by the State Government through numerous schemes.
Now, a drive is on to identify the physically challenged persons in State in order to help them in a better way, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while attending a regional workshop on 'Creating awareness on disability issues for eastern region' held at Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) at Olatapur, 15 km from here on Friday.
Patnaik informed that three per cent of the State's population is under the disabled category and for the benefit of the section, the State Government has included them under the Rastriya Swasthay Bima Yojna. Besides, the Government is providing financial assistance to them to purchase their devices, study scholarship under 'Banishree' that covers class 10th to post graduation and technical education, grants for special schools, vocational training, reservation in Government jobs, financial assistance and loan for setting up self employment ventures, pension under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and Rs 300 per month to each identified physically challenged, Patnaik revealed.
The Chief Minster praised the Department of Disability Affairs under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the SVNIRTAR for sensitizing the issues concerning the disabled through workshop. He also lauded the Equal Opportunities and Protection of Rights and Participation Act, 1995 and National Trust Act, 1999 meant for the disabled people. A separate directorate is functioning in the State to look after the PWDs, the Chief Minster revealed.
Chief Commissioner of PWDs PK Pincha claimed suitable amendment of existing Gram Panchayat Act and rules enabling hearing impaired and blind deformity people to take part in the rural elections. Ministry of Social Justice secretary Struty Kacker revealed that rehabilitation and restoration work for the PWDs is a State subject. Each State Government needs to take keen interest in implementing the work as money is not constraint providing benefit to the PWDs. Under the 12th Plan, Rs 6,000 crore has been earmarked for implementing numerous benefits for disabled people, she informed.
While MlA PK Mallick underscored the need for smooth functioning of the SVNIRTAR, MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai demanded upgrading the SVNIRTAR hospital from100 beds to 200 beds. SVNIRTAR Director Dr AC Meher proposed the vote of thanks and distributed mementos to the visiting dignitaries. The workshop will continue for two days, where discussions on PWD issues will be held and officials of Ministry of Social Justice, activists and volunteers working for the PWDs, NGOs, rehabilitation personnel, members in State Directorate Disabilities, students and faculty members are taking part.