Faizan Wani
Srinagar, Sep 12: In a major concern, Jammu & Kashmir has not been able to take adequate benefits of a key scheme meant for purchasing of aids and appliances for disabled persons.
Documents in possession lay bare that J&K’s commissioner secretary Social Welfare department, Sheetal Nanda has expressed concern over the fact that Union Territory has not been able to take advantage of the scheme.
“Al the outset, the chairperson discussed the features of the Assistance for Disabled Persons for Purchase of Aids and Appliances scheme with all the members and expressed her concern for the fact that the UT has not been able to take adequate advantage of the scheme,” reads record of the meeting held to review the scheme.
According to the record note, the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) – the only agency for implementation of the scheme in the UT- is neither regularly reporting to the J & K Government nor their activities are monitored by the Social Welfare department.
“Director General, Social Welfare Jammu, Director Social Welfare Kashmir and Executive Director Rehabilitation Council would hold regular interactions with ALIMCO officials. Director, Kashmir would particularly ensure enhancement of numbers of camps held and assistive devices distributed by ALIMCO,” the minutes of the meeting state.
The directive has been issued as their activities have been on the lower side in Kashmir.
In the meeting, the executive director, Rehabilitation Council was directed to collect monthly district-wise data about the number of camps held by ALIMCO.
“The chairperson observed that there are several benefits under the scheme which are available on a case-to-case basis but the UT is not recommending any beneficiary for the same. Also several special devices like Braille laptops, readers etc. are available for the visually impaired which are not being provided to them despite availability of readily identified beneficiaries,” the record note further states.
