I-cards for specially abled

Shimla, June 24

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Rajiv Saizal said 89,327 specially abled identity cards had been issued till March this year.

In a press note issued here on Sunday, he said to encourage and give financial benefits to the specially abled people, Rs 65 lakh was spent on giving scholarships to 692 students during the last fiscal.

Saizal said the Self-employment Assistance Scheme had been launched under which the specially-abled people could get loan for setting up small ventures through Minorities Finance and Development Corporation. “Twenty per cent of the total project cost or Rs10,000 is being provided by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department”, he added.

He said more than 80 per cent disabled persons were being provided monthly pension of Rs 1,300. — TNS