CHENNAI: With Tamil Nadu government kickstarting the Amma two-wheeler scheme for working women, the association for differently-abled has urged the state government to adhere to the provisions of the rights of persons with disability Act-2016, which mandates the higher amount of benefits to them in social welfare schemes.
S. Namburajan, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of all Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC), said that the section 24 of the rights of persons with disability Act-2016, entitled the differently abled persons with 25 per cent higher benefits or subsidy under social welfare schemes of state and Central governments.
The provision in the Act says, “The quantum of assistance to the persons with disabilities under such schemes and programmes shall be at least twenty-five percent higher than the similar schemes applicable to others”. However, the state government, in its guidelines for implementing Amma two-wheeler scheme, which is released recently has not included the Act's provision.
“There are, approximately, 5 lakh differently-abled women in the state who could drive two-wheelers. The state government should follow the Act and take necessary steps to provide 25 per cent more subsidy to them,” Namburajan said.
The association sent a representation to the chief secretary, rural development secretary and state differently abled welfare commissioner urging 25 per cent more subsidy to differently abled women, recently. Meanwhile, the state government, in its guidelines, has appointed rural development department and directed to grant 4 per cent reservation to the differently abled.
“We will challenge the government and approach the court if the state government fail to adhere to the Act,” Namburajan said.
At the same time V. Arun Roy, state differently abled welfare commissioner, assured that the commission would take necessary steps to implore the government to follow section 24 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act.
“When we meet Arun Roy on Tuesday, he acknowledged our plea and assured of necessary steps,” Namburajan added.
