On International Day for People with Disabilities, Punjab Government has vowed to ensure three per cent reservation for the disabled persons in not only the new recruitments but also in promotions.
Besides, the state government would also spend Rs 59 crore for the welfare of disabled persons in the current fiscal year, said state Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani, while presiding over a State-level programme organised at Shivalik Public School auditorium to mark the day. Celebrating the Day on the theme of Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all, the Minister stressed upon the need to “change perception about them and play proactive role in making them important part of wholedevelopment process”.
Reiterating the State Government’s commitment for welfare of disabled persons, Jyani pointed out that though there were laws enacted for safeguarding their interests and rights but the society should also change its perception and ensure their respect. The Minister informed that the State Government has enhanced the retirement age of blind employees from 58 years to 60 years, and have also been exempted from typing test for recruitment for the posts of clerks.
“Disabled students were being given Rs 200 and Rs 300 monthly scholarship up to elementary and senior classes and during current year, Rs 20.20 crore is being spent for this scheme,” he said. Similarly, 1,46,940 disabled beneficiaries were being given financial assistance of Rs 250 per month by spending Rs 48 crore. He further said that blind and physically disabled persons have been given 50 per cent remission while traveling in state transport and an approximate Rs 11 crore would be spend during current year.
He said that the Punjab Government was running three vocational rehabilitation centers at Bathinda, ludhiana and Hoshiarpur. The Minister also conferred State awards, including a memento, commendation certificate and cash awards, on 15 disabled persons and two social welfare organisations for their significant contribution.