JK to bring a comprehensive policy for disabled

Srinagar, Oct 5: Concerned over the reports that only 50 per cent of the disabled and other physically challenged people are receiving pension, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Social Welfare Hajji Nisar Ali said the government would come out with a comprehensive policy for their welfare in the state.

Various deliberations involving administrative and legal implications in this regard have already started, he added.

The Minister was speaking at a meeting held to discuss the draft of the said policy to incorporate various measures ensuring welfare of disabled and other physically challenged people.

It was decided that a website of Social Welfare Department serving as a handy reference for any information regarding the department would be launched soon. It would be freely accessible for suggestions and recommendations, he added.

Mr Ali said at the moment the state has about 1 lakh disabled out of which 50,000 receive pension and that efforts are being made by the government to cover the remaining lot. Also there are about 36,000 children in the state who are in need of special care out of which 23,000 are registered with the government.

Hajji Nisar said that the need of the hour is the state should catch up with the latest trends being followed by developed societies in ensuring social welfare, which are required to be emulated. In this regard Information Technology can play a vital role, he added.

The minister stressed upon the officers of various departments present on the occasion to ensure the welfare of the society particularly the weaker section by putting up extra labour while rendering their services.

He said that government will take steps to keep seats reserved for disabled in Railway coaches in the state.

He added that besides institutional rehabilitation of the disabled, the government will also go for community based rehabilitation.

UNI