VELLORE: In the last three years, as many as 35,600 differently-abled persons benefited under various welfare schemes of the State government in the district. They had been handed over financial assistance to the tune of `30.37 crore during the period, according to a press statement issued by the district administration.
The financial aid had been distributed to the differently-abled persons through the District Differently Abled Welfare Office. The government had given free bus passes to 9,492 differently-abled persons at a cost of `5.01 crore, said the release.
Of the total beneficiaries, as many as 3,076 were visually challenged school and college students. They were receiving a monthly incentive between `3,000 and `6,000 under the welfare scheme. A total of 1,311 visually challenged and differently-abled students, who are staying in hostel, received financial assistance of `37 lakh in last three years.
The government had distributed specially designed motorcycles to 67 differently-abled persons in the district. The rehabilitation fund to the tune of `13.86 lakh was extended to 90 mentally retarded girls (aged above 14) and women.
As many as 176 differently abled persons received loans worth `12,35,000 for self-employment. Motor fitted sewing machines for 67 differently-abled persons had been given at the cost of `36,11,300.