Punjab Government is duty bound for the welfare of specially-abled. While the state government has already enhanced the reservation in promotions from 3% to 4%, it is also collating data regarding Unique Disability ID Card to be finalized by Decemeber 31, 2019 so that more welfare measures could be initiated for them. This was disclosed by Social Welfare and women & Child welfare Minister Aruna Chaudhary during her address at International Day of People with Disability at Dream Destination Palace here. Before this, the Minister also visited exhibition organised by Red Cross Special School Faridkot, Bharat Vikas Charitable Trust and appreciated several items on display made by specially-abled children. On the occasion, MLA Amarjit Singh Sandhoya and Deputy Commissioner Sumit Jarangal were also present.
Cabinet Minister Aruna Chaudhary said that state government was providing Rs. 750 monthly pension to people with 50% disability. A budgetary provision amounting to Rs. 96.49 Crores had been made for year 2019-20 benefiting 186112 persons. Free bus travel facility to blind and half travelling amount concession has also been extended to specially abled.
Disabled persons have to face many physical difficulties, she said. Despite this, they are contributing equally in the progress of nation. She further added that with a view to ensure overall welfare of disabled persons, their equal status in society and rehabilitation, Rights of the persons with disability, 2016 was passed during April, 2016. Under this act, state government has given all facilities to ensure their development and protection of rights.
She said that state government has given many facilities to specially abled. Free education facility has also been given to children below 18 years of age. In addition to this, state government is coming up with sports stadium in collaboration with centre so that national and international level sports facilities could be provided to them. She also said that disabled persons have also scaled Mount Everest which is inspiring for all of us.
During the function, Cabinet Minister Aruna Choudhary also honoured 12 specially-abled persons for their contribution in various sectors. Among them are Mohd. Rizwan Malerkotla, Surinder Kumar Jalalabad, Manmeet Kaur Ghumman Patiala, Malkeet Kaur Mansa, Ramndeep Kaur Ropar, Gursevak Singh Moga, Ajay Singh Jalandhar, Dr. Vishal Goyal Patiala, Rajiv Kumar Ludhiana, Ashadeep Welfare Society Hoshiarpur, Palk Kohli Jalandhar, Mandeep Singh Fazilka.