Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MSP)
Mangalore, Jun 3: An adalat was convened in the office of the deputy commissioner (DC) here on Monday June 2, for the purpose of positively responding to the problems being faced by the differently-abled persons.
Speaking on the occasion, notified state commissioner for the disabled Das Sooryavamshi informed that there was a likelihood of the present eligibility monthly income criterion for the disabled from Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,500 in rural places and to Rs 24,000 in urban areas to be upwardly revised. Proposal for the same has already been forwarded to the government, and the issue was deliberated upon in a meeting held under the presidentship of the governor on March 12 this year. An order in this regard is expected any time now, he informed.
A scheme to provide employment to the disabled under the Multipurpose Rehabilitation Works scheme on payment of monthly honorariums is in vogue, and selection of candidates at gram panchayath level is in the offing. Selection process will be completed soon, Sooryavamshi explained. A committee under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner functions in every district to ensure that a congenial environment is created in public places and offices for the disabled, he noted.
The DC distributed forms to those who wanted to apply for the disabled pension. Applications received for pensions, wheel chairs, houses, employment etc., were taken up at the adalat and steps initiated to do the needful. The DC assured to dispose off all the pension application at his office on the next Monday itself.
President of the Disabled Persons Federation Dinesh Shetty demanded for increasing the government employment quota for the specially-abled, from the present 3% to 10% and demanded similar quota system even in the private sector. The people do not allow the handicapped persons to make use of the seats specially earmarked for them in buses, he complained. The DC instructed the RTO and police department to act upon this complaint.
State joint commissioner Israt Begum and district welfare officer for the disabled Puttaswamy were present at the adalat.