Panaji: Goa Church has appealed disabled
people here to get themselves enrolled on the Census rolls
during the population enumeration exercise, which begins
nationwide from February 9.
In a press release issued here on Monday, Fr Valeriano Vaz,
Director, Council for Social Justice & Peace (CSJP), a wing of
Goa Church, stated that Census 2001 indicates the number of
disabled people as 2.1 per cent of our population, which
according to international organisation indicators is
"improper".
"We are at the threshold of the Census 2011 which will
begin on February 9. In this regard, it is crucial that every
disabled person be enrolled, so that proper statistics of the
disabled is gathered in the nation," he appealed.
Vaz said several local school teachers, Anganwadi workers
and other nominated personnel have been engaged for the census
task.
Since they will visit each house, it would be important
that those who provide information do not miss on Question
Number nine from among the 30 odd questions which specifically
deals with the enrollment of the disabled, he added.
The CSJP has said that one does not require to produce a
medical certificate, or National ID card or any other document
to verify the disability.
"In fact, 40 per cent disability criterion for
entitlements to government benefits is not applicable for
enrollment. Even elderly people with any impairment or
disability can also be counted as disabled people," the
release said.
"Census of a nation enables it to engage into organised
planning which also ensures proper allocation of funds for the
respective sections of the society," Vaz said.
PTI
