Mah govt announces concessions to blind/handicapped persons

Mumbai, June 12 (UNI) The Maharashtra Government has decided to provide subsidised housing facilities to blind and handicapped persons in co-operative housing societies, constructed on Government plots.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh here yesterday.

While approving residential tenements in co-operative housing societies on government land, each society will have to ensure that three per cent of the total members belong to blind/handicapped category. The handicapped persons (equal opportunities, protection of rights and complete involvement) act 1995 has been amended for the purpose, an official release issued here yesterday said.

Similarly, blind/handicapped persons will be given government plots for construction of special entertainment centres in municipal corporation limits, municipal council/ limits at five per cent of the market rate. They will be charged rent of 7.5 per cent of the cost (5 per cent) on a lease of 15 years.

The Government will also provide land in municipal corporation limits for construction of schools for blind and handicapped at five per cent of the market rate on 30 year lease period.

UNI