'Politicians, officials not worried about disabled'

Mysuru dist has nearly 1,000 kids suffering from disability: Rajanna

The government has earmarked funds for the welfare of disabled persons but the authorities concerned have failed to utilise them and the chief executives, who are responsible for development activities of their respective districts, lack information about the schemes available, said former commissioner for disability K V Rajanna.

Addressing reporters, here, on Wednesday, he urged the government to initiate measures for the welfare and benefit of physically-challenged people in the State.

Pointing out the problems faced by the disabled persons in availing various benefits, he said, improper interpretation of rules and guidelines, irresponsibility of officials, minimum role of local bodies in the welfare of disabled people, and ignorance of the beneficiaries are the challenges.

The Central government has included welfare of disabled persons in State list, it should take interest in view of the welfare of the physically-challenged persons. Neither political leaders nor bureaucrats are bothered about the well-being of the community.

None of the authorities have come forward to discuss the issues related to disabled persons during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) progress review meeting, he alleged.

He said, according to the data available, Mysuru district alone has nearly 1,000 children, below six years, suffering one or the other form of disability and they need medical attention.

Although various government schemes are available for the welfare of deprived class, around 30 per cent of people do not have either certificates or identity cards to avail them. He urged the State government to collect data of disabled people across the State.

The Health department should train healthcare staffers in detecting disability at an early stage. The department also should educate Primary Health Centre (PHC) doctors on treating mental illness. At least 90 per cent of mental illness can be treated at the PHCs and only 10 per cent need specialists, he said.

Rajanna stressed that rehabilitation centres are essential at every district and the centres can be set-up by utilising MLA or MP quota funds. The government offices need to be disabled-friendly and the government should ensure toilet and other basic facilities for their welfare, he demanded.

The former commissioner claimed that in recent years, Autism is rampant among children, particulary in urban areas.