Govt mulling increase in disability pension to Rs 3000 per month: Sakina

Minister Sakina Itoo during interaction with specially abled persons on Sunday.
Minister Sakina Itoo during interaction with specially abled persons on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Education, Sakina Itoo, today remarked that the Government is committed to provide necessary resources and support to specially abled persons so that they lead an independent, quality and dignified life.

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The Minister made these remarks during distribution of artificial limbs, callipers, clutches, tricycles and wheel chairs among specially abled persons at Brahman Sabha Parade here. The event was organised by Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu and sponsored by Rural Electrification Corporation in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti Kota.
Addressing the gathering, Sakina Itoo emphasised the Government’s unwavering commitment towards welfare of the disabled community in order to make their lives dignified. “The present dispensation has always been determined to uplift and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. We are committed towards providing them with necessary resources, equipments and support, so that they too can live a dignified life”, she asserted.
“The present Omar led Government is committed to address all issues of people especially the specially abled community. We are working on to increase the disability pension from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per month”, Sakina maintained. She added that this increase will alleviate the financial burden on families and provide them financial support.
The Minister, on the occasion, also highlighted the importance of inclusive growth and need to focus on marginalised communities, especially the disabled persons. She assured the gathering that the Government will continue to prioritize the needs of disabled community, with plans for providing them greater accessibility and support.
Sakina Itoo, in her address, also commended the NGO for this noble work. She assured them of Government’s continuous support and said that the issues raised by them will be addressed promptly. She advised them to organise awareness campaigns across the regions in order to educate people, especially the disabled persons about the rights and facilities available for disabled persons.
The Minister also interacted with the specially abled persons and assured them continuous support from the Government.
General Secretary, Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu, Pradeep Jain informed that 429 persons were screened in the camp while 123 hearing aids were given to the patients in addition to distribution of 104 artificial limbs, 73 callipers 22 artificial hands, 20 wheel chairs and 19 tricycles among the beneficiaries in the three day camp.