CM promises 2,000-cr action plan for physically-challenged

Naidu assures them to strive for their overall development

Rajahmundry: The state government is considering a proposal to increase reservations for physically challenged persons, according to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here Wednesday. Naidu said the population of differently-abled in the State is 12.19 lakh. They account for 2.5 per cent of total population but 3 per cent quota was earmarked for them.

He, however, stressed the need for providing more opportunities for them. He assured the physically-challenged that he would certainly extend all help to them. "Please forget that you are disabled, I am here with you to support you," he said. He was the chief guest at World Disabled Day celebrations held in Rajahmundry on Wednesday.

Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minster said the government was formulating an action plan to spend Rs 2,000 crore for the benefit of disabled in next five years. This was apart from providing pensions and housing for them, he said.

The action plan, he said, was intended to establish skill development centres for the physically-abled persons. Apart from it, homes for disabled would be built in every district, he said. He appealed to the NGOs and the people to cooperate with the government for the uplift of disabled persons. He exhorted the differently-abled to overcome their disabilities.

He pointed out that great people like Stephen Hawking and Doram Venkata Swamy Naidu had overcome their disabilities. Deputy Chief Minister N Chainarajappa, Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Endowments Minister P Manikyala Rao and Minister for Women and Child Welfare and Mining P Sujatha were present at the meeting.