BBMP to take census of people with disabilities

A decision in this regard was taken after Karnataka Commissioner for Disability, K V Rajanna, rapped Palike officials for not spending even a penny from the Rs 10 crore allocated for the welfare of the disabled people.

Rajanna held a meeting with the BBMP officials to discuss measures taken for the welfare of the differently abled people. However, the Palike officials failed to provide proper records saying they have to depend on the general census for details.

Disappointed, Rajanna directed them to take a census of disabled persons and extend them benefits. He also warned the officials that a notice would be served on them if they failed to utilise the fund, or divert it.

Responding to this, Additional Commissioner V Ashok said a meeting of zonal commissioners will be convened and plans to conduct a census of the disabled people would be completed by the end of the financial year.

Later addressing mediapersons, Rajanna said the Palike had utilised Rs 92 lakh of the Rs 4.4 crore allocated in the previous year. However, for the current year, it has failed to spend even a paisa of the allotted Rs 10 crore, he said.

There are many schemes to empower the disabled in the field of education, training and employment, he said. More than 60 NGOs work for the welfare of disabled persons in the City, he added.