Pimpri Chinchwad: The state government has issued a directive to the civic authorities in municipal corporations and councils to ensure that the amount provisioned in the civic budget for differently-abled persons is used for the intended purpose.
All civic bodies are required to provision 3% of the civic budget for the benefit and the welfare of differently abled persons.
However, it was found that the funds were not being used for the intended purpose.
"The state government has been receiving complaints that the provisioned 3% is being spent on other projects. It must be exclusively used for welfare measures (of the disabled). If any officer is neglecting the disbursal of the amount, strict disciplinary action will be initiated against him/her. The amount cannot lapse and has to be used for welfare measures," a government directive stated.
Rafique Khan, a disabled person from the Prahaar Apang Sanstha, said, "The municipal corporation authorities will have to speak to the organizations for the differently-abled. Disabled persons working at the ground-level have complete knowledge of the difficulties faced by such persons. The amount should be spent directly on the intended beneficiaries."
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had held a meeting in the last week of October to undertake micro-planning of the welfare works for the disabled. Assistant commissioners of the municipal corporations had been directed to provision the amount. They were also told to file reports on the use of the provisioned amount to the urban development department in February, May and November.
The central government enacted Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 that recognizes that persons with disability are entitled to equal opportunities and rights to participate in political, social, economic and self-development activities in all walks of life. The state government has suggested that companies can take lead with their corporate social responsibility activities for the differently-abled persons.
Education is provided to differently-abled children in the age group of 6-18 years in special government schools. Vocational training is provided to adults.
All civic bodies are required to provision 3% of the civic budget for the benefit and the welfare of differently abled persons.
However, it was found that the funds were not being used for the intended purpose.
"The state government has been receiving complaints that the provisioned 3% is being spent on other projects. It must be exclusively used for welfare measures (of the disabled). If any officer is neglecting the disbursal of the amount, strict disciplinary action will be initiated against him/her. The amount cannot lapse and has to be used for welfare measures," a government directive stated.
Rafique Khan, a disabled person from the Prahaar Apang Sanstha, said, "The municipal corporation authorities will have to speak to the organizations for the differently-abled. Disabled persons working at the ground-level have complete knowledge of the difficulties faced by such persons. The amount should be spent directly on the intended beneficiaries."
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had held a meeting in the last week of October to undertake micro-planning of the welfare works for the disabled. Assistant commissioners of the municipal corporations had been directed to provision the amount. They were also told to file reports on the use of the provisioned amount to the urban development department in February, May and November.
The central government enacted Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 that recognizes that persons with disability are entitled to equal opportunities and rights to participate in political, social, economic and self-development activities in all walks of life. The state government has suggested that companies can take lead with their corporate social responsibility activities for the differently-abled persons.
Education is provided to differently-abled children in the age group of 6-18 years in special government schools. Vocational training is provided to adults.
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
