As part of its advocacy programme, Sasakawa-India leprosy Foundation organised two-day Empowerment meet for the residents of leprosy colonies of to enable them to access existing Government welfare schemes.
On the first day, chief guest Cabinet Minister, Public Health & Family Welfare Rustam Singh committed to solve the issue of pension after consulting with the CM.
Currently in Madhya Pradesh these people are getting Rs 300 per month as pension while in states like Uttar Pradesh they receive Rs 2500, In Andhra Pradesh Rs 1500, Bihar Rs 2100, in Delhi Rs 1800, in Maharashtra Rs 1600, in Tamil Nadu Rs 1000 and in Telagana beneficiaries get Rs 1500.
On the second day, chief guest State Minister of Panchayat and Rural development Vishwas Sarang, Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation interacted with persons affected with leprosy and addressed issues related to land entitlements and land pattas. He promised he will speak to CM on Thursday regarding land patta. He also spoke to Indore collector soon after the Empowerment meet regarding the land issues faced by the people residing in colonies and assured them that he will provide them equal rights. There are around 965 people suffering from leprosy Madhya Pradesh and living in 33 colonies. A total of 3,700 people live in these 33 colonies. Most of these leprosy-affected people who stay in colonies neither have BPl cards nor land ownership.