Now Adhaar type unique identity for the disabled

LUCKNOW: The central government is all set to introduce a unique identity card for the physically challenged, on the lines of the Aadhaar card. Lov Verma, secretary, department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, Government of India, informed about the centre’s ambitious project, on Saturday. “Physically challenged persons can use this card for availing various facilities.”

Physically challenged persons can use this card for availing various services like the railways and medical facilities LOV VERMA, secretary, department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, Government of India

LUCKNOW: The central government is all set to introduce a unique identity card for the physically challenged, on the lines of the Aadhaar card.

Lov Verma , secretary, department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, Government of India, informed about the centre’s ambitious project, on Saturday.

Ver ma was in Lucknow to inaugurate the ‘In service training and sensitisation’ programme for government officials at Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University.

Addressing the gathering, Verma said, “The union government is all set to launch a unique and universal card for physically challenged persons.” This card would be valid throughout the country, he added.

Informing about the salient features of the card and its utility for the physically disabled, Verma said, “Physically challenged persons can use this card for availing various services like the railways and medical facilities.”

He added that government bodies that did not accept the card would face action.

The union secretary stated that for a proper implementation of the programme, a countrywide survey of physically challenged persons was being undertaken. “The survey has already been completed in Kerala and Rajasthan. Soon, it will be carried out in other states too,” he said.

The department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, Government of India is at present running a project for the physically challenged, called ‘Saubhagya Bharat Sashakt Bharat’. Under this project, Indian cities would be made disabled-friendly. “In the first phase, this scheme will be rolled out in 50 big and 25 small cities, all across the county. Under this project, public buildings and public places will be made disabled -friendly,” said Verma.

In Uttar Pradesh, five cities have been selected for the project, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur and Allahabad.

Verma also assured that by the end of next year, all airports in the country, along with bus and railway stations would be made conducive for the disabled.

Prof Nishith Rai, vice chancellor of the university said, “Government officials must be sensitive towards the plight of physically disabled persons.” Rai stressed that government officials could play a major role in ensuring proper implementation of the schemes being run for the physically challenged. “This training programme for government officials will be helpful in the larger goal of empowering the disabled people,” said the VC.

Vijay Shankar Sharma, Prof CK Dixit, Arvind Sharma and Alka Guha were also present.