Date:04/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/04/stories/2005120405060300.htm

Karnataka - Bidar

People with disabilities told to form SHGs

Staff Correspondent

BIDAR: Emancipation of those with disabilities can be achieved by encouraging them to form self-help groups (SHGs), Bidar Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Antony Mendonca said in Bidar on Saturday.

Speaking at a function to mark World Disabled Day, he said such SHGs will be given technical and financial assistance on priority. The Government has come out with the Rashtriya Sama Vikas Yojana and other programmes to provide assistance to SHGs. "We will encourage non-governmental organisations to promote SHGs comprising those with disabilities and then support them with grants. They will initially serve as groups that encourage compulsory saving. They can later be used to foster micro enterprises run by the members," Mr. Mendonca said. He asked officials to ensure that schemes and programmes reach genuine beneficiaries. He said officials will be held responsible if people with disabilities do not get the benefits of government programmes.

Deputy Director, Women and Child Welfare, and Karnataka State Physically Handicapped Persons' Welfare Association president Santhosh Kumar Joldabke were present.