Tirupati : More awareness programmes on Central schemes on cards

Tirupati : Union minister of state for social justice Krishan Pal Gurjar said the ministry had decided to conduct more and more awareness programmes to highlight government schemes meant for the welfare of differently-abled.

Speaking at a review meeting on the implementation of the Central government welfare schemes for senior citizens and disabled welfare here at RASS (Rashtriya Seva Samithi) head office on Monday, the Union minister said that reservation for the disabled has been increased in employment from 3 to 4 per cent and in education 3 to 5 per cent.

The differently-abled across the country have been given unique identity cards and the government was striving to ensure equal opportunity for all of them.

He also briefed on the initiatives taken up by the ministry for 'Cochlear implantation' for the support of the hearing impaired in the country and also agreed to provide to lifts under 'SIPDA' scheme at the district collectorate in Chittoor and also provide all other required facilities for the convenience of the disabled visiting the district offices in the complex under 'Sugmya Bharat Abhiyan'.

RASS president and secretary G Muniratnam, S Venkatratnam respectively, disabled welfare assistant director A Y Srinivas, NIEPMD director Nachikethan, head of department, social welfare, Amarnath and other officials were present.