Centre’s nod sought for working out logistics, says CM

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Wednesday announced that his government has initiated steps to constitute a special commission for the welfare of the differently abled in the Union Territory.

Speaking at a function organised by the Department of Social Welfare on the occasion of the International Day for the Differently Abled, Mr. Rangasamy said permission from the Centre has been sought to work out the logistics for setting up the panel, which would address the grievances of the differently abled.

The government would spare no efforts to concede the demand of the differently abled. It had asked the Departments of Electricity, Public Works Department and a few others to implement the three per cent reservation in employment for the differently abled.

The government was already providing 1.8 per cent reservation and efforts would be made to provide 1.2 per cent reservation to the members.

Loan waiver

On the demand for waiver of loans extended to the members to begin self-employment ventures, Mr. Rangasamy said the government had taken up the request and would study the feasibility of waiver of either the principal amount or the interest. He asked the members to make use of the facilities provided by the government.

Welfare Minister P. Rajavelu said that the government was implementing all the schemes in response to the requests made by the members. “We will never shut the doors on your demands. So, the government should never be faulted as not being interested in your welfare,” he said.

The want of statehood had been a major block in speedily evolving and implementing schemes, Mr. Rajavelu said. The government was at the mercy of the Centre for each and every plan for implementation.

Earlier, a tense situation prevailed at the function with delegates of various associations for the differently abled joining to almost pounce on an office-bearer of the Federation of the Handicapped Associations.

A. Velayudham, president of the federation, kept making critical remarks against the government and the members of various associations triggering strong protests. However, the members were pacified by the officials.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Puducherry / by S. Prasad / Puducherry – December 04th, 2014