359 blind unemployed get monthly pension

Agartala, Feb 10 (UNI) The Tripura government has started providing monthly pension to a total of 359 blind unemployed youths, Panchayat Minister Manik Dey said yesterday.

According to official sources all the 359 persons had started getting pension of Rs 1000 per month.

Representatives from various organisations, including members of the co-ordination committee, social workers and volunteers from Non-Government Organisations engaged in the welfare activities for the handicapped persons, were present in a meeting attended by the minister.

The representatives from NGOs said in entire North Eastern region, only Tripura had been working for the welfare of the handicapped.

Mr Dey said all the 359 blind youths had been considered eligible for getting the monthly allowance during November last and accordingly their pension money had been paid.

Camps for the blind persons were constructed in all the 488 schools throughout the state and 400 more such camp would be set up during the next financial year, the minister added.

Member Secretary of the co-ordination committee, as well as principal Secretary S.K.Panda and Director of Social Welfare department, N.Das were also present in the meeting.

UNI