Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, today said that the government is committed to redress the grievances of specially-abled people, for which several welfare schemes are being undertaken so that they are empowered for a better life.The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a function organized in connection with the celebration of World Disability day by Jammu Chapter of the National Federation for Blind (NFB) at Louis Braille Memorial Residential School for Girls at Roop Nagar.State Convener NFB, Mohinder Badyal and other senior functionaries of the Federation and management of the school were present on the occasion.Dr Singh said that the schemes, launched by the Centre and State governments, will ensure that specially-abled people are provided with requisite support providing them an opportunity to lead an emancipated life. He said necessary instructions and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the benefit percolates to the genuine and targeted beneficiaries.
While highlighting the achievements registered by the specially-abled people in different fields of life, the Deputy Chief Minister said that they have proven their mettle in as varied fields as sports and arts and it is obligatory on the part of all of us to provide them moral and other support.Referring to various initiatives taken by the Prime Minister to improve the living standards of specially-abled, the Deputy Chief Minister said that he is taking personal initiatives to see that these people are provided with all requisite facilities so that they are empowered and equal opportunities are provided to them.Later, the students presented cultural items, showcased their martial arts skills besides exhibiting their paintings.Deputy Chief Minister, while interacting with the inmates and people, assured them that all their issues and grievances would be settled at an earliest.ON THE OCASSION, book titled “Kahin-Ankahin” written by Dr Kusum Lata Malik was also released by Deputy Chief Minister.The Deputy Chief also provided financial assistance to the school, out of his salary.