Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 03: The Minister for Health, Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo Tuesday said that people with disabilities will get enhanced pension and the number of schools for them will be increased as well.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Minister said that the government is committed to the welfare of specially disabled people of J&K. “We are mulling to enhance the monthly pension of physically disabled people of the J&K,” she said.
She said the government is also planning to increase the number of schools for the disabled lot. “At present there are only two schools for them—one in Kashmir and another at Jammu,” Itoo said.
She also said that the government intends to provide loans to the disabled people at low interest rates so that they can start their ventures and earn a dignified livelihood. “We know many of them know the art of painting and others have good skills. We also intend to provide them proper training to fine tune their skills so that they remain independent,” the Minister said.
Earlier, speaking at an event organized by Samagra Shiksha, J&K at the Convention Centre here to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities-2024, the Minister acknowledged the resilience and strength of individuals with disabilities, who continue to demonstrate remarkable courage in overcoming day to day challenges. The Minister stressed on the need for support and inclusivity of the differently able persons in our society for shaping their future.
The Minister said: “We need to unveil the potential of individuals with disabilities and ensure they have better access to education, healthcare, employment and public spaces. Just like us, they also have a right to live a life of dignity and opportunity”.
While speaking on this year’s theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities- ‘Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’, Itoo called upon establishing a ‘Disability Inclusive Society’ where every person, regardless of their physical or intellectual limitations, can lead a life of dignity.
“Breaking down societal stereotypes and prejudices surrounding disabilities is essential for creating an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms,” the Minister said.
Commending the differently able students and children on the occasion, Itoo said that the talent showcased by students while presenting performances today was remarkable. “The children showed that they are not lacking anything but possess unique talent which needs to be honoured and nurtured,” she said and advised the parents to come forward without hiding anything due to the stigma associated with it. “Disability should not be seen as a limitation, but rather as an opportunity to depict your hidden talent,” Itoo said.
She appreciated the role of caregivers, parents and families of persons with disabilities, who often serve as the primary source of support and care. “Your unwavering dedication and love are essential for empowering persons with disabilities”, Itoo said.
The Minister further highlighted that the Government is committed to address every issue of differently abled persons, adding that NGOs also have a role to play and they need to be more active on ground and utilise the Grant In Aid provided by the government effectively. Earlier, Itoo also distributed motorised Tricycles and Scooties among differently abled beneficiaries of Social Welfare department—(KNO)
