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| Govt to bring in new legislation for disabled: Rather | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, December-03- Minister for Finance, Mr. A. R. Rather today said that the Government will enact a new law to replace the existing J&K Disabled Act 1998, which will be in tune with the National Disabled Act to address the problems of disabled in the State.
Speaking at a function at Government Women College Gandhi Nagar in connection with International Disabled Day here today, the Minister said that the new Act would be integrated and harmonized both with the National as well as the International Disabled Act to accommodate the aspirations of the disabled people.
The function was organized the J&K Handicapped Welfare Association in collaboration with NSS unit of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar.
Secretary, Social Welfare, Mr. M. S. Khan, Director Social Welfare, Jammu, Mr. Mehmood Rana, Principal, Government College for Women, Mr. Nalini Kohli, a large number of disabled persons and students were present on the occasion.
Mr. Rather said that disabled people are important part of the society who can contribute immensely in shaping the future of the nation, adding that they only need equal opportunities of growth and development. For this purpose, a change in the mind-set of the society is imperative, whereby the disabled are treated with dignity and as equal citizens, the Finance Minister added.
He said the main objective of celebrating the day was to acknowledge the plight of disabled and realize the responsibility of civil society, Government and NGOs in fulfilling their commitments towards the aspirations and needs of the disabled. He said Social Welfare Department have a pivotal role in mitigating the sufferings of the handicapped people.
Mr. Rather said Government has already taken several measures for the benefit of the handicapped, adding that monthly pension has been enhanced from Rs 300 to Rs 400 from April this year. He assured that Finance Department would favour any proposal put-up by the Social Welfare Department for the welfare of disabled people.
Secretary, Social Welfare said a fresh survey is being conducted to identify the genuine beneficiaries for assistance under various Social Welfare schemes, adding that the data bank being compiled would help in identifying fake beneficiaries as well as bracketing the genuine beneficiaries into the category for scholarships under different Social Welfare schemes. He said Government will also review demands of the physically handicapped including, special seating arrangements for them in buses, transfer policy for physically handicapped categorization of disability, reservation in professional colleges etc. He said the observance of the day would help promote full participation of handicapped people in social and development process.
On this occasion, a touching cultural programme was also presented by the handicapped students drawn from various educational institutions including Jeevan Dhara School, G.P. C Home for deaf and dumb.
The function started with lighting of traditional lamp b y the Chief Guest followed by Saraswati Vandana by students of the college.
President, J&K Handicapped Welfare Association, Mr. K. K. Verma presented the welcome address.
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