Ferozepur, January 19, 2020 (Yes Punjab News)
MLA Mr Parminder Singh Pinki called on the chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh and demanded holding of exclusive camps for 6.54 lakh specially-abled persons in the state.
Mr Pinki said that the same camps were held in the Ferozepur and it benefitted the specially-abled as 1562 specially-abled were given disability certificates on the spot after examined by experts.
He said that such camps must be organized in the entire state so that the specially-abled people were able to avail the facilities offered by the state government by obtaining these certificates.
Mr Pinki said that the Punjab government has initiated several schemes and specially-abled persons can avail benefits like concessional fares in bus and trains.
Besides, there is also reservation in government jobs for them and by producing the certificates, they can avail the benefit.
Mr. Pinki revealed that as per 2011 census, 6,54,063 specially-abled persons in Punjab including 82,199 blind, 1,46,696 deaf, 25,549 dumb, 66,995 mentally, 1,65,607 various types of disability and 37,973 were suffering from multiple disability.
He said that these people have right to lead normal life like other people and if such camps would be held in district and block levels, they can become active partners of the welfare schemes started by government for them.
Further, he also suggested that open-gyms must be developed in the villages which will benefit the rural people.
MLA told CM assured that government would soon implement the suggestion in the entire state for extending helping hand to the specially-abled persons.
READ FULL TEXT OF PINKY’S LETTER TO CM
Respected Capt Amarinder Singh Ji
I am inviting your attention to an issue that is concerned with the society at large.
It is about the disabled persons in Punjab.
I recently organised a camp for the handicapped in Ferozepur during which I realised the extent and depth of their problem and cater to the needs of 1562 such disabled persons. They virtually are a neglected section of the society going by their unmitigated problems.
As per the official figures, the number of handicapped in Punjab is more than six lakh.
To begin with, such camps should be organised in every district from time to time.
The persons certified as handicapped should be given monthly allowance. This is all the more important in case of those who belong to the weaker sections of society. They have a right to dignified life and the allowance would be just one step in that direction.
They should be issued certificates that would enable to access certain facilities like travel. They should have better access to education and employment opportunities.
The next issue that needs to be given proper focus is the health of the people.
Open Gyms should be set up in the public parks in every city and towns in the state. This facility has been provided only in some areas and the same should be available to the people at large especially in rural areas.
I hope you would prioritise these issues that relate to human resource development.
With high regards
Parminder Singh Pinky
