Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today assured the physically challenged persons that the government will extend all help to them to stand on their own feet by utilizing the welfare schemes. While interacting with physically challenged people at Devarakadra during his sixth leg of ‘Indiramma Baata’ here, the Chief Minister said the government was committed to address all issues of disabled persons in a phased manner and the government has released Rs 212 crore for their welfare in the budget. The government had set up 40,000 Disability Self Help Group in the State to redress their woes on the lines of women SHGs, he said, adding the government had provided three percent reservation to disabled in the government jobs. It was ready to give Rs 50,000 to those who marry physically challenged persons as financial assistance, he also assured them that the government would provide direct loans from banks for those who are interested in taking up self employment schemes to stand n their own feet.
While referring to budget allocation for various departments, Reddy stated that the budget for animal husbandry has been enhanced from Rs 600 to Rs 900 crore, horticulture from Rs 900 crore to Rs 1,200 crore and fisheries from Rs 20 to 220 crore. He said Rs 100 crore has been allocated for healthcare of sheep and goats in three districts including Rs 65 crore alone for Mahbubnagar.
He also announced Rs one crore for construction of Shepherd Samakhya building and laid foundation stone for Community Protect Water Supply Scheme constructed at a cost of Rs 22 crores and Rs 44 crore for total 170 villages at Marikal and Dhanwada mandal in the district. UNI