Differently abled say pension not sufficient, seek employment

Tribune News Service

Nitish Sharma

Ambala, July 24

Differently abled are more interested in getting jobs as the pension being provided by the government is not sufficient to meet their expenses. They expressed these views before Amit Jha, Principal Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Department.

Jha was here today to attend a programme organised by the Red Cross and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to distribute artificial aids and assistive devices among disabled persons at Rukmani Devi Memorial Hall in Ambala Cantonment. As many as 439 disabled persons were provided assistive devices on the occasion.

Jha said: “They have expressed their desire that they need jobs. There is a need to develop skills among them and the department is working on it. In order to train them, corporate houses will be invited and efforts will be made to provide them jobs.”

“They have also shared some good ideas in context with providing jobs and I will discuss them with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar,” he added.

Several differently abled people complained about the insensitive attitude of officials in government offices. Admitting the fact, the Principal Secretary said that it was an issue being faced by everyone in the government offices.

While addressing a gathering, Jha said: “Very soon camps will be organised to assess the percentage of disability and the certificates will be linked with Aadhar cards so that the government can easily provide aid to the needy.”

Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said: “As per survey, there are nearly 7,000 people with special needs in Ambala and we are committed to fulfil the needs of all such people. The state government is committed for social welfare and a skill development programme for disabled is also on the cards.”