KARIMNAGAR: Several hundreds of differently-abled persons are not able to get the enhanced social security pension due to delay in issuing of certificates that prove their eligibility.
In 2010, they had attended the Software for Assessment of Disabled for Access Rehabilitation and Empowerment (SADAREM) camps held for assessing their disability at a private medical college. However, a majority of them have received the certificates so far.
The SADAREM is an initiative of the state government to identify and create centralised database of the differently-abled persons by using scientific approach and disability guidelines.
About 1,51,908 people attended the assessment camps from January 1, 2010 to March 10, 2016. Of them, 95,363 were found eligible for giving the certificates so far, according to the data provided by the authorities of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA).
Officials said the disability certificates were dispatched to the differently-abled through mandal parishad development officials, panchyat raj secretaries and self-help groups. However, the specially-challenged people alleged that over 20,000 people had not received the documents yet. Particularly, illiterate persons are not able to download the certificate online.
"Consequently, the differently-abled are unable to apply to get the enhanced social security pensions. During a recent review meeting, collector Neetu Prasad directed the authorities concerned to issue the certificates at the earliest. About 25,000 people are awaiting the certificates," said Jakkam Sampath, president of Vikalangula Hakkula Sangham, Karimnagar district.
In the meantime, authorities concerned are advising those who have not received certificates to take part in the camps again but the differently-abled are worried over losing a certain percentage of their disability when compared to 2010.
