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Govt. hikes monthly allowance for disabled

By Our Staff Reporter

Pondicherry Dec. 3. The Chief Minister, N. Rangasamy, today announced that the monthly assistance for persons with more than 75 per cent disability would be raised to Rs. 500 from Rs. 400.

Addressing a function organised by the Department of Social Welfare in connection with the World Disabled Day, Mr. Rangasamy, said the Government was always alive to the problems of the handicapped. The Government decision followed representation from persons with more than 75 per cent disability and also from A. Anbalagan, AIADMK MLA.

The Chief Minister said the Government would also consider a suggestion for an insurance scheme for the unemployed disabled. A special camp would be held soon to issue certificates on disability to those waiting for the same. Presently they were asked to come after three months for the certificate.

The Administration would also constitute a high-level committee to work out the schemes and address the issues of the disabled. Another committee for implementation of the Centrally- sponsored Disabilities Act would be formed soon.

The Lt. Governor, K.R. Malkani, who distributed cash awards to institutions working for welfare of the disabled persons, said the disabled should develop self-confidence and will power. If they found any difficulty in getting the benefits of welfare schemes, they could write to the Government.

Representatives of different organisations of the physically challenged persons, including government staff, wanted the Administration to restart the cell for issuing certificates in the government hospital instead of at Jaya Nagar.

Teacher's gesture

A Tamil pandit, N. Suriya Vijayakumari, working in the Government Middle School at Mudaliarpet who was given the cash award of Rs 10,000 today, donated the amount to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

She felt that the amount should go back to the service of the have-nots. "It is service that mattered more than anything else".

She thanked the Social Welfare Department for recognising her service to the physically challenged.

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