Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday
said that it will enact a new law to replace the existing J&K
Disabled Act 1998, which will be in tune with the National
Disabled Act to address the problems of disabled in the state.
Speaking at a function in connection with international
disabled day here, Jammu and Kashmir minister for finance, AR
Rather said the new act would be integrated and harmonised
both with the national and the international disabled act to
accommodate the aspirations of the disabled persons.
Rather said that disabled persons are important part of
the society, who can contribute immensely in shaping the
future of the nation, adding that they only need equal
opportunities of growth and development.
Rather said the government has already taken several
measures for the benefit of the handicapped, adding that
monthly pension has been enhanced from Rs 300 to Rs 400 from
April this year and assured that finance department would
favour any proposal put-up by the social welfare department
for the welfare of disabled people.
Secretary, social welfare said a fresh survey is being
conducted to identify the genuine beneficiaries for assistance
under various schemes.
He said government will also review demands of the
physically handicapped including special seating arrangements
for them in buses, transfer policy for physically handicapped
categorisation of disability, reservation in professional
courses.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, December 03, 2009, 23:36