Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Sept 7: Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Charandeep Singh today launched Project MADAD (Maintenance of Differently-Abled)-an initiative by District Administration Reasi for welfare of Differently Abled Persons.
Speaking at the launch programme, the he said that through this project the District Administration aims to eradicate the stigma attached with disability. He highlighted that the recently concluded Tokyo Paralympics have shown that persons with disabilities are no less than others provided they are supported and facilitated suitably.
The Deputy Commissioner further added that Project MADAD is an effort towards following a holistic approach to deliver benefits of all the existing schemes of the government to Specially Abled Persons.
The project aims to provide a number of facilities to the Specially Abled Persons in the district and to make all Public Offices/Public places accessible for them. As per Census 2011 data, the population of specially-abled persons in District Reasi is 5579.
The Deputy Commissioner said that a fresh survey of population to assess the current status of Specially Abled Persons (irrespective of type and Percentage of Disabilities) along with their specific requirements will be conducted by a Panchayat Level team consisting of Sarpanch as Chairperson and Supervisor/Social Workers ICDS/VLW/GRS and Asha Worker as members of Panchayat Level Team. A total of 155 such teams shall be constituted for 153 Panchayats and 2 Municipal Committees.
Project MADAD will be implemented through the Social Welfare Department and District Social Welfare Officer as the Nodal authority.
The district administration will be providing free Health Insurance to all Specially Abled Persons under existing schemes like NIRAMAYA, PMJJBY & PMJSBY. The premium of Insurance shall be borne by District Administration from Red Cross or from a Special Corpus Fund. Mass Awareness to foster respect for Rights of Specially Abled Persons and to counter disability related discrimination to protect, provide and ensure that they enjoy all human rights shall be among the foremost priorities under the project.
Through this project the district administration aims to assist the needy in procuring durable, modern-standard aids and appliances that can promote their Physical, Social and Psychological Rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic potential.
Project MADAD also envisages 100 percent coverage of Scholarship to all eligible Specially Abled Students, Skill Development of Specially Abled Persons through NGOs or through recognized Skill Development institutions.
Further, issuance of UDID (Unique Disability Identification) cards by Health Department to Specially Abled Persons shall also be undertaken under this project.
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