Rehab centre for physically challenged gets go ahead

The move by the Central Government ministry would go a long way in creating awareness about physical disability, recognising the physically challenged, meetings, discussions, help in getting assistance from the Central Government, skill-based education, training, improving self-confidence among physically challenged people and helping them join the social mainstream.

On June 9, the State General Secretary was given a circular by the ministry. The officer was told to put forth a proposal of a specific nature as early as possible before the Physically Challenged and Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department.

As per the 11th budget, 50 such rehabilitation centres would be opened this financial year, while another 50 would be opened in the following year. In the first phase, the centre for Kolar district has been given the green signal.

Permission has been given for starting of centres in as many as 199 districts in the country including seven districts in the state.Permission for opening of centres in Bellary, Belgaum, Tumkur, Mangalore and Gulbarga districts was given in 2000-01; Mandya district in 2002-03 and Bidar district in 2006-07. Kolar district has been selected for the year 2010-11 for opening of the rehabilitation centre.

10 staff members:
Each rehabilitation centre would have 10 trained members of staff. It would work under the leadership of the District Management Unit presided over by the Deputy Commissioner.

The physically challenged would be provided free residence.The best of the local administrative bodies would be selected to run the centre.

A circular has been sent for the government to follow strict procedures in the selection of the staff members.

The centre would be provided with Rs five lakhs to purchase necessary equipment. Decision to continue funds would be taken depending on the nature and quality of performance of the centre.

The circular added that districts applying first would be given preference over others. Therefore the proposal for Kolar would have to be submitted before July 31.

Request:
The Red Cross District and State Committee member V P Somashekhar has requested the Deputy Commissioner to appoint the Indian Red Cross Society as the Implementing Agency for the rehabilitation centre.  The Society works from the premises of the District Hospital in the town.