THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Health and Social Justice K K Shylaja said the government will provide all the data regarding around 8 lakh differently abled people in the state, to the local self government bodies to enable them to prepare plans for empowering them.
Inaugurating a workshop organsied under the joint auspices of the Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation (KSHPWC) and National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) on Wednesday, she said each local body can prepare suitable plans for the welfare of the differently abled.
She pointed out the needs of each differently abled person were different.
The government is planning to include 1 lakh people under the ‘Swavalamban’ scheme. The state government’s share of Rs 3.70 crore has already been remitted to an insurance scheme to facilitate treatment assistance worth Rs 2 lakh. A unique identity card will be issued to the differently abled.
Three more district offices to be opened
The minister said the KSHPWC will be further strengthened by opening district offices in all the districts. As of now there are only three offices. At present administrative sanction has been given to open three more district offices to make the Corporation’s services available to more people. More over, skill development programmes will be conducted.
Not a word of regret
Despite the claims of empathising with the differently abled people, Minister K K Shylaja turned up one hour and 10 minutes late for the inauguration of the workshop. She did not express a regret. The differently abled, some of them accompanied by their relatives hailing from far off places had arrived even before the scheduled time. The dignitaries including the local MLA K Muralidharan, Mayor V K Prasanth , Social Justice Secretary Mini Antony, Director T V Anupama and others also failed to turn up for the function.
Kerala to be made transgender-friendly state
She said the Government was more concerned about the plight of the transgenders and inview of their plight, steps will be taken to make the state transgender friendly. KSHPWC chairman Parasuvaikal Mohanan presided. Managing Director Moiden Kutty K welcomed the gathering.