Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Oct 8: “Necessary equipment will be distributed to all the physically challenged in the district,” said MP Shobha Karandlaje.

She was speaking after inaugurating a camp for free distribution of equipment for the physically challenged held in Lions Bhavan in Brahmagiri on Friday, October 7.

The camp was held under special programme of the union government by the union ministry for social empowerment, Alimco Bengaluru, Udupi district administration, Indian Red Cross Udupi district unit, department of empowerment for physically challenged and senior citizens rehabilitation centre for physically challenged in Udupi district.

“There are around ten thousand physically challenged in Udupi district. If definite number is obtained after conducting census, all the necessary equipment will be provided to them by the union government. The officials will be asked to identify them after printing and distributing hand bills and posters on gram panchayat levels,” Shobha said.

The MP asked that the physically challenged be called as heavenly as per the Prime Minister’s advice. “Some voluntary organizations are providing necessary assistance to them. All the facilities should be made available to them to make them mix in the mainstream in society,” she said.

She distributed various equipment collectively worth Rs 30,72,200 to 74 physically challenged from Udupi, 156 from Kundapur and 91 from Karkala. Udupi corporation president Meenaksi Madhava presided over the programme.

Zilla panchayat president Dinaker Babu, Zilla panchayat member Geethanjali Suvarna, district physically challenged and senior citizens empowerment department assistant director Niranjan Bhat, Udupi Red Cross society deputy speaker Dr Ashok Kumar, Treasurer Dr Ramachandra Kamath, member secretary J C Janardhan were present.

Alimco organization’s Ashok Pal gave a key note address. Red Cross organization speaker Dr Umesh Prabhu welcomed.