TN govt making a difference in the lives of differently-abled

The state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin has been making a mark by formulating and implementing various schemes for the public welfare and the development of the state.

The government has been leading an equal and egalitarian regime for all. They have announced various schemes for all sections of society, including women, students, youth, farmers, industrialists, and the socially backward, and are working to improve their livelihoods. Similarly, multiple schemes have been implemented for the welfare of the differently-abled people in the state to make them live on par with others.

Tamil Nadu is the only state in India where better services are provided to the differently-abled people compared to any other state in the country. Moreover, the state government has emerged as a government that helps the differently-abled, protects their welfare, and upholds their rights.

In the last four years, a monthly maintenance allowance of Rs 2,000 has been provided to 10,525 differently-abled persons, and Rs 1,500 as allowance under the Social Security Scheme of the revenue department has been provided to 22,322 differently-abled persons in the district, according to a statement released by K Saravanan, public relations officer.

Assistive devices for differently-abled persons such as petrol scooters with connecting wheels, battery-powered wheelchairs, mobile phones with appropriate processors, motorized sewing machines, artificial legs, bicycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids, crutches, special wheelchairs, and other assistive devices have been provided to 1,795 differently-abled persons at a cost of Rs 52.72 crore. In addition, assistance worth Rs 11 crore has been provided to 3,018 differently-abled persons through schemes such as marriage financial assistance, bank loan subsidy, establishment of Aavin centers, and educational scholarships, as per the statement.

Petrol scooters with support wheels worth Rs 18,32,400 have been provided to 18 persons from the Tiruvannamalai MP’s constituency development fund, and Rs 5,09,000 have been provided to five people from the Arani MP’s constituency development fund in the financial year 2024-25. In this financial year, Rs 3.16 crore has been allocated to provide petrol scooters with support wheels for 309 persons and nine people with spinal cord issues. In the first phase, 50 persons have been provided with petrol scooters with supporting wheels so far, the statement added.

A total of 55,352 National Identity Cards and 51,214 Unique Identification Cards (UDID) of the Central Government have been issued to people with 21 types of disabilities.

Ilayaraja, a differently-abled person from Northampoondi Panchayat under Durinchapuram Panchayat Union, said, "As a differently-abled person, if I have to go out, I need the help of my family. This was very difficult for me and my family. So, I applied for a petrol scooter with supporting wheels at the differently-abled office. I am also receiving a differently-abled card and a monthly allowance. At present, I am going out without anyone's help using a petrol scooter with a connecting wheel. This is very useful for me and my family. The government is implementing various schemes and supporting differently-abled people like us. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the district administration, who are protecting and improving the livelihood of differently-abled people through such schemes."