State Budget has betrayed Divyangjans, says Pratibandi Suraksha Sangstha, Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The PSSA (Pratibandi Suraksha Sangstha, Assam) has alleged that the State Budget has betrayed the disabled community of the State. The body has argued that the government has not introduced any new schemes for the development of the Divyangjans.

"In the first budget of the Mitrojoot in 2017, it was announced that 4,80,000 Divyangjans will be covered under the Divyangjan monthly pension. In this regard, Rs 2.50 crore was allocated in the Budget. However, it is unfortunate that the government has decreased the amount in the successive Budgets," said PSSA secretary Nripen Malakar. Further, Malakar pointed out that in the 2020-21 Budget, the government allocated Rs 168 crore for the PWDs (Persons with disabilities).

"Moreover, the government announced that 1,60,612 PWDs will get the monthly pension. Additionally, 10 per cent of beneficiaries will be added to the pension scheme. But, the Finance Department ignored the beneficiary list submitted by the Directorate of Social Welfare. This year we are more hopeful as the Social Welfare Minister is also the Finance Minister. We hope that the PWDs will be benefited this year," Malakar added.

The PSSA has demanded the government to increase the monthly pension for the PWDs, and also include more beneficiaries in the scheme. They threatened to stage protests if their demands are not addressed.

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