Centre to open permanent disability centres: Maneka

KOLKATA, AUG. 5. The Centre would open 107 permanent disability centres (PDC) and other facilities in various States to suit the needs of about five crore disabled people in the country, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ms. Maneka Gandhi, said today.

``We are aiming at opening one such centre in every five districts. Out of 107 centres, 35 have already started working, Ms. Gandhi said while inaugurating the five-day long `Access- 2001' exhibition at the Netaji indoor stadium here. The PDCs would provide helping devices besides medical check-up facilities, she said, adding there would be five Central treatment centres for the disabled people. The Centre's annual outlay has, therefore, been increased to Rs. 42 crores from a mere Rs. eight crores a few years back to accommodate these projects, she said.

The Access-2001, the fifth annual exhibition on helping devices for the disabled, would help in disseminating information for the targeted section, she said.

Keeping in mind the inconvenience of the disabled people living in rural areas, the ministry has started organising camps in villages for last three years. About 55 such camps have already been organised to distribute helping devices like wheel chairs and counselling the disabled people.

Ms. Gandhi sought the State Government's cooperation to expedite the process of issuance of identity cards and health certificates to the disabled people.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Other States
Previous : Drive against corruption yielded positive
           results: Rajnath Singh