Free inter-state travel, hike in pension for people with disability
LUCKNOW: The state government will allow free inter-state travel to people with disabilities (PWDs) on UP State Road Transport Corporation buses. Until now, the facility was limited within UP’s boundaries.
“People with disability can travel beyond the state’s borders and find better opportunities for themselves,” said OP Rajbhar, minister of empowerment of persons with disability, during a function to mark International Day for Disabled Persons, organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan (IGP) on Monday.
UP Governor Ram Naik, officials of empowerment of persons with disability department and students from various schools graced the occasion.
The department also tied up with the Railways to ensure reservation for people with disability in air-conditioned rail coaches. “People with disability will also get preference in reservation in AC 3-tier rail coaches,” said Rajbhar.
The minister also announced increase in pension to disabled people from ₹300 to ₹500 per month. NGOs working for disabled people will now get ₹25,000 as award money as compared to the earlier ₹5,000.
“The increase in award and pension money will empower people with disability to improve their lives,” said the minister.
The department also decided to set up centres in every district of UP so that people with disabilities can register themselves for government schemes. “People with disability will not have to come to Lucknow to get their certificates. They can simply get their medical examination done at district hospital and get their certificates made,” said the minister.
Reportedly, the department has identified 21 kinds of disabilities and provide certificate for each category.
People and students from different walks of lives were awarded on the occasion. Ashish Jain, assistant review officer in Allahabad (who is speech and hearing impaired), and Alka Bharti (with disabled legs) were awarded as ‘best disabled employees.’
NGOs working for people with disability were also awarded at the venue.
Around 15 disabled students who scored more than 80% marks in UP Board exam were felicitated for their achievement.
“Lives of people with disability are an example of conquest over adversities. People must learn from them and make efforts to make their lives easier,” said governor Ram Naik said in his address.