Masoodi raises issues of PwDs, Home Guards of J&K in LS

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 12: National Conference Member of Parliament (MP) from Anantnag Hasnain Masoodi raised volley of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir in the Lok Sabha.
Masoodi drew attention of the Government towards the removal of disparity in disability pension. “The Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in J&K only get 1/5th of what is given to their counterparts in other parts of the country as monthly pension,” he said adding, “The amount of pension has remain unchanged even after August 5, 2019.” Calling for removal of discrimination in the pension, he demanded that a minimum of Rs 5000 per month be given as pension to PwDs in J&K.
Masoodi also sought removal of disparity in emoluments of Home Guards. He said the Home guards in J&K are entitled to mere Rs 2700 per month, while as in the rest of the country, the monthly remuneration of their counterparts is Rs 23000.
Stressing on the strengthening of healthcare system for treatment and early diagnosis of Cancer in J&K, Masoodi stated that the alarming statistics of cancer incidence and mortality is a matter of concern, which should be tended by the Government by coming up with comprehensive cancer centers in J&K.
Seeking the enhancement of the facilities for tertiary care health centers in Kashmir, Masoodi called for strengthening of tertiary care for cancer in Kashmir. He also sought upgradation of multi-tier health institutions under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) and Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (PMJAY).
Masoodi also called for opening window/portal for applicants of PMAY (Gramin) so that thousands waiting for regularization get the benefit of a house shelter. He said scores of people in Kulgam and Shopian are waiting for the portal to open to see the status of their applications. He urged the concerned ministries to mitigate the issues in the spirit of the country being a welfare state.