From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Dec 3: The physically challenged persons are not a burden to society but an asset, asserted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday and declared that the Congress government was committed to work for their welfare.
Participating in the "World Physically Persons Day" celebrations organised by the State Physically Challenged Persons and Senior Citizens Empowerment Department at the Sri Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the chief minister promised to allocate Rs 44 crore for the welfare of the empowerment of the physically challenged persons in this year’s supplementary budget.
With about 15 lac physically challenged persons in the State, he said the government is duty bound to work for their welfare. The Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities to all sections of society, he said pointing out that the
physically challenged persons are exhibiting their capabilities in almost all fields and it was a matter of pride that physically challenged persons are showing their talents and winning medals in the special Olympics for them.
Explaining the various schemes and facilities for the development and empowerment of the physically challenged persons, including pensions, he said the government has provided a 5% reservation for them in C and D Class government jobs and 4% reservation in A and B grade posts. An expert committee has been constituted to identify the posts that can be reserved for the physically challenged persons, he said.
The chief minister promised to write to the Centre for enhancing the monthly pensions to the physically challenged persons.
'Disability neither a curse, nor a boon but a test'
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said physically challenged persons should not treat their birth disabilities neither as a curse nor as a boon but consider it as a challenging test, which they must confidently face and excel.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar termed the physically challenged persons as “Children of God". She said even Ganesha is revered as Vinayaka, who removes all hurdles, despite having an elephant head and a broken tusk
and similarly the physically challenged persons are not inferior to anybody.
The chief minister later addressed some 50 students who called on him on the greatness of the Constitution and asked all citizens to honour and respect the Constitution as it guarantees protection and well-being of all citizens.