Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Ms Asiea Naqash today said that the government is committed for the welfare and socio-economic upliftment of weaker sections of society and many schemes have been launched in this regard.
The Minister was speaking at a function to distribute 21 motorised tricycles among the differently abled persons at Bal Ashram Shalimar. She said that these scooties, which are fitted with two extra wheels, are easy to use and it will help differently abled persons to continue their studies as well as earn their livelihood. Of the 21 persons who got the special scooties, seven are students.
“Our aim is to make them as independent as possible and this is just the beginning,” said Ms Asiea. She assured the people that more such scooties would be distributed and there won’t be any limit to their number. She said that the government is mulling to bear the cost of registration of these scooties.
The Minister also visited Composite Regional Centre Bemina, where she asked the concerned officials to initiate a mass awareness campaign so that more people can benefit from the government schemes. The centre currently provides treatment to adults as well as children suffering from various physical problems. The Minister was informed that the centre caters to around 70 patients every day and work is in progress to develop it on modern lines.
Ms. Asiea said that the Central government has already released Rs 13 crore for the construction of administrative block, college building and hospital. She said that there is no scarcity of funds and every need would be taken care of for providing best healthcare facilities in the state. She was also informed that the selection of students for B.PT course would be done by Board of Professional Entrance Examinations from the next year.
The Minister asked the concerned officials to immediately complete the work on central heating in the whole block for the benefit of patients.
The Minister also visited Juvenile Observation Home run by the Department of Social Welfare. She interacted with inmates and instructed the officials to provide them educational and skill development facilities. She was informed that currently ten juveniles are lodged at the home.
The Minister was accompanied by various officials of Social Welfare department.
