CM distributes Rs400m to specially-abled people

At a ceremony held at the Chief Minister House, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced financial assistance of Rs400 million for the welfare of specially-abled people. Aimed at creating an inclusive, empowered, and equitable society, cheques were distributed among 56 partner organisations at the event, with the aid amounts, reportedly, already transferred to the beneficiaries.

Further, CM Shah announced that the DEPD budget would be increased to Rs800 million for the next fiscal year, and that 20 new centres have been established, in collaboration with NGOs, while the capacities of 15 existing centres have been enhanced.

Transport has also been provided at 66 centres, offering pick-and-drop services. The CM noted that 12 CRTs (rehabilitation centres) will become functional by the end of this year, with one centre established in each district.

Regarding inclusive education, CM Shah announced that a special directorate and curriculum have been developed to enroll children with disabilities in regular schools. He also deemed assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and communication devices, as symbols of independence and dignity for specially-abled persons, directing the installation of wheelchair ramps in all government buildings and mentioning that the Chief Minister House is now fully accessible

At the close of the ceremony, specially-abled children presented tableaus paying tribute to the Pakistan Army, and also gifted artworks to the CM.