Disabled allege non utilisation of funds meant for them

'Officials concerned behave in an irresponsible manner'

M Prabhuswamy, State Convenor of Karnataka State Forum of Disabled alleged that Mysore City Corporation (MCC) had failed to utilise the funds earmarked for welfare of the disabled.

At a press meet here on Saturday, he said that the local body had not followed the directions of the State government issued two years ago to reserve three per cent funds of its budget for various schemes of disabled including that of education, scholarships, medical, employment and rehabilitation of theirs. However, it has not been implemented by the body. 

He said that there were more than 8,000 specially abled members in the district, and added that MCC had invited applications from the beneficiaries for name sake, before Assembly elections through just one or two local papers -- due to which the message had not reached majority of the community.

He further alleged that the officials associated with the projects of disabled have turned blind a eye over the issue and have systematically planned to misuse the funds. “They respond irresponsibly. They say that the funds would be utilised this year for building ramps in government offices, donating computers to institutes etc. Though they are necessary, priority should be given for implementation of more beneficial schemes for our welfare,” he added.

He said that the government’s instructions to utilise 10 per cent of funds from MLAs, MPs and MLCs for welfare of disabled had also not been implemented. “District administration had also turned a blind eye,” he added.

Prabhuswamy said that disabled under the banner of the association would lay siege to MCC office on July 15, if the authority did not take any measure to utilise the fund. He said that protests would also be staged.