Kargil, July 29: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, convened an important meeting to address the grievances of specially-abled persons.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor for Social Welfare, Aga Ayed Mujtaba; Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (who joined online); Director Social Welfare Department, Tashi Dolma; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Imteeaz Kacho; Secretary KSSRB and ACR Kargil, Jangeer Akhoon; District Social Welfare Officer, Sameena Khatoon; Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Kargil; representatives from the School Education Department; and parents of specially-abled students.
While addressing the gathering, CEC Kargil stated that the concerns of specially-abled students are very close to his heart and assured his commitment to their welfare at any cost. He took a detailed assessment of the on-ground situation and reviewed scholarship provisions with the Director of Social Welfare.
Director Tashi Dolma informed that a total of 2,870 specially-abled persons have been identified across the district, of which 1,700 are UIDI cardholders and 1,070 are without cards. She also stated that 157 specially-abled persons below the age of 18 are currently receiving a monthly scholarship of ₹1,250.
Furthermore, she informed that the UT Administration of Ladakh has released 20 lakh for the welfare of specially-abled persons, of which 9 lakh each has already been disbursed to both districts. She emphasized the urgent need for a holistic policy and strict implementation of welfare schemes.
Stressing the importance of accurate data, DC Kargil highlighted that a joint survey by the Social Welfare, School Education, and Health Departments is necessary to obtain a clear picture. He assured that strategies will be devised according to the specific needs of the students. He also suggested reserving a special quota for specially-abled students in Kargil students’ hostels in. Srinagar and Jammu, as well as reserving rooms for their medical treatment in Kargil House at both locations.
Secretary KSSRB Kargil, Jangeer Akhoon, informed the meeting that in the current recruitment list, 14 posts have been reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities. He added that scribe facilities will be provided, age relaxation has been granted, and an additional 20 minutes of time will be allotted during examinations for such students.
Addressing the grievances further, CEC Dr. Jaffer directed DC Kargil to constitute a committee under his chairmanship comprising the CMO, District Social Welfare Officer, Chief Education Officer, and two parents of specially-abled children to review progress on a monthly basis.
The CEC also informed the meeting that a hostel for specially-abled children is under construction and will be made functional by next year. In addition, he said that a proposal from the School Education Department for the construction of another hostel has been forwarded to the UT Administration for administrative approval.
He directed the Medical Superintendent to immediately correct discrepancies in medical cards issued for specially-abled persons and ensure that the appropriate disability, as per Government of India norms, is duly mentioned. He also instructed the School Education Department to streamline the implementation of schemes to ensure maximum benefits reach the ground-level beneficiaries.
Highlighting the need for specialized institutions, CEC Kargil stressed that a dedicated school with trained teachers and modern facilities for specially-abled children is a dire requirement. He assured that necessary steps will be taken to address this genuine demand. He also noted that Munshi Habibullah Mission School, under the REWA scheme, is currently facilitating specially-abled students and will continue to support their expenses as required.Srinagar and Jammu, as well as reserving rooms for their medical treatment in Kargil House at both locations.
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