Kamal promises facilities for differently-abled

CM reveals 10% quota of Endowment Fund allocated for special people

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal on Tuesday said people with disability are an integral part of society and their abilities can be utilised for the overall progress by providing them facilities and securing their rights.

He shared these views while addressing a ceremony held at Balochistan Boy Scout Association, Quetta on International Day for People with Disabilities, pledging to implement job quotas and other facilities for differently-abled persons in the province.

“I believe that when Allah Almighty gives any physical disability or weakness to someone, He blesses them with another special ability or sense,” Kamal said as he stressed upon giving support and encouragement to people with disability.

He added that the day is celebrated to tell the special people that they are not deprived of anything, rather are an important part of the society.

“The provincial government is earnestly working to ensure facilities for the people with disabilities in Balochistan, along with providing them opportunities, so that they can contribute their share to societal development,” Kamal added.

Talking about his government’s strategies, the chief minister said that fortunately Balochistan is blessed with natural wealth but flawed policies kept the province backward.

“In the last 16 months we have introduced new policies and reforms to uplift the provincial economy and no one stopped us from imparting facilities and relief to the masses,” the CM said.

He announced that new reforms in the provincial act of 2017 for special people with disabilities will be introduced and hinted implementation on immediate basis.

“The government has approved Rs 500 million for special education in Balochistan under the Public Sector Development Programme, which would also secure the rights of differently abled persons,” said Kamal, revealing that 10% quota of Endowment Fund has been allocated for special people.

Expressing his love and respect for the differently abled persons, the CM Balochistan said, a policy has been finalised to ensure funds and grants in all provincial departments following their needs.

Senator and Secretary General of Balochistan Awami Party Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, provincial ministers and a large number of special people attended the event.

Sports sector

Addressing an archery competition in the provincial capital, Kamal said the provincial government is taking all measures for the uplift of sports sector in Balochistan, adding that implementation on sports complexes in all districts would commence in coming days.

“Along with popular sports like cricket and football, the government is imparting funds for development of other games as well, particularly local and traditional sports,” the CM said, maintaining that outdoor activities are important for youth’s health.

Citing the example of developed countries where sportsmen are equipped with facilities, Kamal affirmed that the provincial government would polish skills of the talented individuals by providing them necessary benefits.

“The incumbent government has decided to foster local sports which are being played in our rural areas for centuries,” Kamal announced.

He further said the provincial government is keenly working to develop tourism sector in Balochistan as the soil is blessed with dozens of beautiful spots.

“Balochistan is the only region where mountains, rivers and deserts exist, that can attract international tourists’ attention,” he said.

Sharing views on increase of provincial universities’ grants, Kamal said the annual fund for varsities has increased from Rs1.5 billion to ensure facilities for students.

He congratulated the Archery Association for conducting a successful archery competition in Quetta and stressed upon students to promote their traditional sports as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2019.