Differently-abled must make use of welfare schemes: MP

Lok Sabha Member from Raichur, G. Kumar Naik, urged persons with disabilities (PWDs) to make full use of the welfare schemes introduced by the Centre and the State governments for their empowerment.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Nerale Mela, an employment and awareness fair for PWDs, along with sports and cultural activities, organised at the Auditorium of Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Raichur on Thursday.

Mr. Naik said that the government has rolled out multiple schemes to provide professional training, employment, social security, and equal rights to PWDs, thereby bringing them into the mainstream. “Through educational support, employment opportunities, training, and the supply of assistive devices, the government is striving to create an environment where persons with disabilities can live with dignity and respect,” he said.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the event, he said, “The Nerale Mela is being held across the country, but in Karnataka, it is organised only in Raichur and Yadgir. This is a matter of pride. However, our region still lags in health and education. Maternal and infant mortality rates must be brought down.”

Pointing out that Raichur district had a large PWD population, he appealed to officials and organisations to extend their services with commitment.

“Everyone faces some problem in life. Persons with disabilities must be cared for and treated with the same respect as others,” he added.

RIMS psychiatrist Dr. Ramesh Babu said that serving those in distress was akin to serving God.

An exhibition of assistive devices for PWDs and senior citizens was also held on the RIMS premises. Around 15 organisations, including the Composite Regional Centre (Davangere), and CBM India Trust (Bengaluru), Samarthya, Out Bank, Shri Manikyaprabhu Academy for the Blind (Raichur) showcased their equipment and services. As many as 523 beneficiaries registered at the mela.

On the occasion, Raichur Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee president Pavan Kishore Patil, Raichur Cooperative Society president Jayant Rao Patange, RIMS Director Dr. Ramesh B.H., Disability Department officer Sridevi, RIMS Principal Dr. Rahul Keerthi, Raichur City Corporation Zonal Commissioner Mallikarjun, CRC chief Thamarai Selvan, and Navodaya Medical College Principal Dr. Kaushik Reddy were present, along with students and senior citizens.