Government to conduct survey of different abled in Karnataka

Minister for Muzrai and Backward Classes, Kota Srinivas Poojary, said the government is planning to conduct a survey of differently-abled people across Karnataka.

The survey will not only help the government in estimating the population of differently abled in Karnataka but will also help the government chalk out programmes for their welfare. Already, depending on the percentage of the disability, a monthly pension is provided to the differently abled, the minister said after distributing benefits under various schemes to the beneficiaries. The programme was organised by Mangaluru City Corporation's (MCC) Poverty Alleviation Cell.

Title deeds and keys of 32 houses constructed for civic workers under the Gruha Bhagya scheme was handed over to the beneficiaries on the occasion. The government is committed to the welfare of the civic workers. The civic workers play a pivotal role in keeping the city clean. The welfare schemes of the government should reach out to the last strata of society, Srinivas Poojary said.

The funds under MLALAD are also utilised for the welfare schemes of people. This year, there was a delay in the release of MLALAD owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Financial assistance and necessary equipment worth Rs 45.09 lakh had been provided to 759 beneficiaries by the MCC poverty aleviation cell under the 24.10%, 7.25% and 5% funds reserved for welfare programmes.

Under the 24.10% fund, 12 beneficiaries were given assistance of Rs 4,11,216 for the construction of pucca house, toilet construction, house repair and assistance for surgery. Six persons were given assistance of Rs 85,000 for toilet construction, two persons were given assistance of Rs 1,05,000 for pucca house construction, one person was given Rs 50000 for house-repair and three persons were given Rs 1,71,216 for surgery.

A total of 59 benefiaciries were given benefits worth Rs 2,64,600 under 7.25 % fund. The benefits include construction of toilets, assistance for surgery, and LPG connections. Benefits worth Rs 38,33,705 were given to 688 beneficiaries under the 5% fund reserved for the welfare of the differently-abled persons. The benefits are two-wheeler with additional two wheels attached, wheelchairs, hearing aid, artificial limb, medical assistance. A total of 658 beneficiaries received stipends worth Rs 32,90,000 were also distributed on the occasion.

MLAs Vedavyasa Kamath, Dr Y Bharath Shetty, Mayor Diwakar and others were present at the event.