3,631 disabled people will get rights in local governments: CM
Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed pride that the Tamil Nadu government has empowered 3,631 people with disabilities through appointments to local bodies.
On the occasion of World Disabled Persons Day, the “Empowerment Introductory Ceremony for Persons with Disabilities Appointed in Local Government Bodies” was held in the Valluvar Division of Chennai on Wednesday.
At the ceremony, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin distributed welfare schemes, including 400 articulated-wheeled vehicles worth ₹4.12 crore, to 400 people with disabilities and said:
3,631 people with disabilities have been appointed as new people’s representatives in local bodies in Tamil Nadu. More than 9,000 people remain to be empowered until the remaining local bodies are formed.
On April 16th, I gave notice in the Assembly in the form of a bill to launch this initiative. The next day, people with disabilities came to meet me and showered me with love. I felt this was the biggest award I could have received.
The Tamil Nadu government is working not to pity people with disabilities, but to recognize their rights.
For the economic development of people with disabilities, orders have been issued to identify appropriate jobs in government departments and provide opportunities through a 4% reservation system.
The Chief Minister said that these bills will not only ensure that people with disabilities have their voices heard in local government bodies, but will also empower them to lead local government administration.
First State: Tamil Nadu – Deputy Chief Minister: Speaking later at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “Unlike any other country, this is the first state in India where people with disabilities have been appointed as representatives of the people in local government bodies. They can raise their voices in local government meetings and have their demands met.”
Minister K.N. Nehru, P. Geethajeevan, R.S. Kannappan, M. Subramaniam, T.R.P. Raja, Chief Secretary N. Muruganantham and many others also attended the ceremony.
