IMPHAL, July 12: Social Welfare minister Akoijam Mirabai replying to a calling attention motion by opposition leader Irengbam Ibohalbi at the House today stated that a commissioner will be deputed for the addressing the problems of the handicapped persons.
Ibohanbi calling on the minister on the reported negligence to disburse allowances meant for unemployed physically handicapped persons questioned whether there is a state policy for the disabled is there and if it is still being implemented. He said that the metric scholarship given is only Rs 100, which is not in tune with the escalating costs.
Minister Mirabai replying to the motion stated that the unemployment allowance given to the disabled cannot be increased as the budget allocation for the Social Welfare department is low. She however said that there have been some extra funds allocated and hopes to bring up the amount of allowance given.
She said there is no question of misappropriation of funds by the department. The Disabled Act came into effect from February, 1997 onwards. The problem of deputing a full time commissioner is a problem as there the requirement of the person should be sixty years of age. She however assured that the commissioner will be deputed within 3 months time and the allowance given to be increased after consultation with the Chief Minister.