Describing Specially abled persons’ imperative part of society, the Minister for Social Welfare and ARI Trainings Sakina Itoo, said that government is working hard for the upliftment and socio-economic development of destitute so that they are able to earn their livelihood with honour and dignity, adding that their welfare is among prime priorities and responsibilities of the government.The Minister was addressing at a mega Awareness –cum-Distribution camp of Orthotic and Prosthetic Aids and Appliances among specially abled beneficiaries of Pulwama District organized by State Rehabilitation Center in collaboration with Union Ministry of Social Justice Empowerment at Pampore here on Tuesday.
The Minister distributes 66 aid and appliances including 16 Tricycles, 8 wheelchairs, 13 walking sticks and 30 hearing aid equipment’s amounting to Rs 20 lakh under ADIPS schemes among the specially abled persons of the district so that are able to perform their day to day matters with ease besides are able to move from one place to another place.
Ms. Sakina said that these people are talented and have proven their mettle in different walks of life, saying that they need proper guidance, counselling and support so that they become self-reliant in life. She said that government has launched various welfare schemes for this section of society and a survey for assessing the actual statistics of them is underway so that maximum benefit is extended to them.
The Minister said as many as 70 thousand pension cases have been cleared under ISSS scheme by the Social Welfare Department. She said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is keen for the welfare and prosperity of this section. Ms. Sakina urged upon the officers to work with more zeal and dedication and contribute a bit for this noble cause in missionary mode so that real motive of the department is achieved.Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Director Social welfare, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan, Executive Director, Rehabilitation Council, Mtr. Hafeeza Muzaffar, Director SC/ST officers of Social Welfare, and officers of other departments were also present on the occasion.