Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 28: The Confederation of Physically Challenged Organisations (COPCO) has appealed to the Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha for the urgent establishment of Residential Schools specifically designed for deaf and dumb children.
In this regard, a memorandum was submitted to the Lt Governor by Ram Dass Dubey (President COPCO), Gopal Sharma (Sr Vice President), Rahul Sharma (Vice President) and Sushil Sharma (Secretary). The memorandum highlights a significant lack of educational resources for children with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf and dumb.
“Currently, the absence of dedicated schools means that these children are deprived of the opportunity to receive proper education and support, which in turn hinders their personal development and future employment prospects,” read the memorandum.
The organization stressed that without the establishment of Residential Schools for deaf and dumb children, the effective utilization of the 4 percent job reservation for disabled individuals, as mandated by the Handicapped Act 2016, remains unachievable.
In addition to this urgent demand, COPCO’s memorandum highlighted several other key issues affecting the disabled community, which include demand for enhancement of monthly pension for disabled persons. COPCO advocated for an increase in the current monthly pension from Rs 1,000 to a minimum of Rs 5,000 to help meet the basic needs of disabled individuals, who often face financial hardships.
Seeking special support for individuals with Cerebral Palsy, mentally retarded, and autistic individuals, the organization demanded a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 for caregivers providing round-the-clock assistance to individuals with severe disabilities, recognizing the extensive support they require.
COPCO also demanded implementation of reservation in promotions for disabled individuals, in accordance with Supreme Court directives to ensure equal career opportunities and a dedicated census to accurately identify and count persons with disabilities, including specific provisions for the 21 disabilities recognized under the RPWD Act-2016.
The organization urged the Government to prioritize this initiative, along with the other demands presented, to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals with disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir.