Surat, Oct 14 (IANS) Padma Shri awardee and Disabled Welfare Trust of India founder-president Kanubhai Tailor has welcomed the reduction of the disability eligibility threshold to 40 per cent, saying the move would help more persons with disabilities access support and lead lives with dignity.
Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “visionary leader of his era”, Tailor said the Prime Minister had consistently focused on the welfare of persons with disabilities and on measures to improve their lives.
“I have said this before, and I will say it again: PM Narendra Modi is a visionary leader of his era. He is always thinking about the welfare of persons with disabilities and what more can be done to improve their lives. Such concern and compassion are truly remarkable,” Tailor said.
He said the eligibility criteria for disability benefits had previously been more restrictive and that lowering the threshold to 40 per cent was a significant step that could benefit many people.
“By reducing the disability threshold to 40 per cent, the government has taken a significant step that will benefit many people with disabilities and help them lead more dignified lives,” he said.
However, Tailor said the measure should have been introduced much earlier, arguing that the concerns of persons with disabilities had not received adequate attention in the past.
“I believe the Government of India should have taken this step much earlier, but unfortunately, no one paid attention to it until now. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a visionary leader who understands the need to do something for persons with disabilities,” he said.
His remarks came in the context of the Union Cabinet’s approval to continue the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five more years, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 53,428 crore.
The programme provides social assistance to vulnerable sections, including the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities.
The government said the continuation of the programme would provide financial support to around 3.2 crore beneficiaries across the country.
Tailor said easing eligibility requirements could help people with disabilities who often face difficulties in securing employment and meeting their financial needs.
“Access to support was important in allowing them to live with dignity,” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of pension provisions for elderly people and widowed women, saying financial assistance could help them meet everyday expenses and maintain their independence.
–IANS
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