Jaipur: Special needs civil society organisations have been calling for an increase in the disability pension amount (PwDs). The state government may raise the pension amount to Rs. 1,500 in the upcoming budget in response to PwDs’ long-standing demand.
The Rajasthan chapter of Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh demanded, during a pre-budget meeting with chief minister Ashok Gehlot, that the monthly pension amount for pensioners with special needs be increased to Rs. 1,500 and that Divyang members be nominated for and appointed to positions in panchayati raj institutions. Additionally, it called for the establishment of a system to facilitate the hassle-free delivery of job cards to people with disabilities who choose to work under the MGNREGA programme and a 5% disability employment reserve.
In Rajasthan, the Mahasangh, led by Hemant Bhai Goyal, presented a number of demands to be included in the state budget for 2023–2024. During the chief minister’s pre-budget discussion with the leaders of civil society organisations and consumer organisations, these requests were brought forward. Goyal, who was present at the meeting, also sought the opening of new positions for a clinical psychologist, an audiologist, and a speech therapist.
They also want to open a special ITI centre in Jaipur, issue guidelines for the BPL programme, guarantee 5% of employment for people with disabilities in the private sector, open a special college for people who are blind, create new jobs for interpreters, and ensure friendly relations among other things.