DINDIGUL: Citing high fuel cost, differently-abled people who use retrofitted two-wheelers have appealed to the state government to give them Rs 20 subsidy of one litre of petrol.
According to sources, there are 41,000 differently abled in Dindigul. Of this, 1,000 people have been provided with retrofitted two-wheelers by the state government through the district differently abled welfare department.
Murugesan (60) from Thethupatti said, “I used to work as a daily wage earner. My life crashed after I suffered nerve problem. In 2021, my leg leg had to be amputated. The next year, U suffered a similar fate and I lost the other leg also. I started to get Rs 2,500 as pension.
Later, I got a retrofitting bike, so I got minor jobs. I travel long distances and have to spend at least Rs 100 on petrol daily, which I find difficult to afford. If the government gives subsidy of Rs 20 per litre, it would be greatly helpful.”
Another PwD, S Karuppiah (62) from Srirampuram said, “In 2021, a thorn tore flesh in my right leg and I didn’t bother about it. As I am diabetic. infection spread to the entire limb and the right leg was amputated to save my life. Currently, I am getting pension of Rs 1,500 per month. Recently, I got a retrofitted scooter, and spend Rs 100- Rs 200 on fuel daily to travel to work. If the government offers subsidies to people like us, this could be a great help.”
Speaking to TNIE, Differently Abled Welfare Officer (Dindigul) K Thangavel said, “The eligibility to receive retrofitted petrol scooter is the beneficiary should be self employed or educated person who is in need of mobility. Besides, people who are willing to work and desperate for mobility will be chosen for these scooters. The cost of a retrofitted scooter is around Rs 1.15 lakh. Giving fuel subsidy is policy decision. We will forward their request to higher officials.”