Various rights groups on Thursday alleged that the Union Budget for the financial year 2023-24 does little for the marginalized – vulnerable children, the disabled and the elderly.
Considering the long-pending demand of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Rajasthan government may increase the pension amount to Rs 1,500 in the coming budget.
During a pre-budget meeting with chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the Rajasthan wing of Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh demanded an increase in the pension amount for specially-abled pensioners to Rs 1,500 per month.
While on union budget of central government the National Forum for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NPRD) claimed that the disabled community continues to be neglected.
“This year’s budget is no different as far as the disabled community is concerned.”
They have been condemned from the margins and lofty rhetoric like ‘inclusive India’ has been ignored.
The NPRD said that the allocation for the sector has increased by only one per cent as compared to the previous year.
It also highlighted that the amount allocated for the financial year 2022-2023 was short-utilised by Rs 196 crore.
The allocation for the scheme for implementation of the Persons with Disabilities (Rights) Act has been reduced by Rs 90 crore from Rs 240.39 crore (BE) last year to Rs 150 crore this year.
“This is grossly inadequate allocation which is primarily attributed to the failure to implement the provisions of the Accessibility within five years as mandated by the RPD Act.
The NPRD said, “Sadly, support even for important autonomous bodies set up by Acts of Parliament that cater to persons with disabilities, such as the National Trust and the Rehabilitation Council of India, remains the same.”
It also criticized the government’s move to remove the income criteria in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for persons with disabilities.
The allocation for the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme is unchanged from the previous year at Rs 290 crore but now govt is likely to change it.
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