Delegation of disabilities body submits memo to Deborah
SHILLONG: The State government has remained non-committal on the demand of the Khasi Disabilities Association (KDA) to enhance the monthly ‘unemployment allowance’ from Rs 500 to Rs 5000.
Speaking to media persons after a meeting with a delegation of the KDA here on Monday, Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak said that she would forward the grievances of the Association to the Chief Minister before taking any decision.
Pointing out that many persons with disabilities also excel in studies, the KDA requested the state government to find ways for reservation of seats in different educational institutions and also establish separate schools and colleges with nominal admission and monthly fees. The association also felt that the state government should give monthly scholarship and revise it accordingly.
Marak clarified that the education department has instructed all institutions to adopt “Zero Rejection policy ” under SSA book grant and scholarships are also given to all citizens with special needs.
“I asked them to give me a complaint in this regard and I will take necessary action,” she added.
The Association further requested the Meghalaya government to implement the three percent reservation policy for persons with disabilities as announced by the union government besides extending other facilities due to them under the law and Minister said that the policy is being strictly implemented by the Meghalaya Government.
In the memorandum submitted to Marak, the KDA representatives also expressed disbelieve that the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) meant for persons with disabilities are not availed by those for whom and therefore requested the minister to ensure that the government consider application for the IAY scheme that comes through disability certificate and not the BPL list.
The KDA was also not happy for the fact that no seats are reserved for persons with disabilities in the Government-run JNNURM buses and the Minister was also not happy as MUDA has not directed the SHGs to reserve two seats in every bus for PWDs.