Chief Minister Revanth Reddy today launched the Bala Bharosa scheme and Pranaam day care centres for senior citizens at a program held at Praja Bhavan.
He also launched the free distribution of retrofitted motorised vehicles, battery-operated tricycles, battery-powered wheelchairs, laptops, hearing aids, mobile phones and other advanced equipment to persons with disabilities.
The State government has allocated Rs 50 crore for the initiative.
The Bala Bharosa scheme focuses on early detection of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental disorders and physical impairments among children aged 0-5 years. Under the program, Anganwadi teachers will conduct preliminary screening, with children requiring further care referred to Primary Health Centres and specialised facilities for medical, surgical and therapeutic interventions. The scheme aims to ensure timely care and improve long-term outcomes.
Under Pranaam, as many as 37 government-run multi-service day-care centres for senior citizens will be established, including two each in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Hanumakonda, and one in each of the remaining districts.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that the State government was also providing support to persons with disabilities from a humanitarian perspective.
He said that the program was organised to convey that the State government was sincerely working for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He also announced that if two persons with disabilities married each other, they would receive financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh, and that financial assistance would also be provided if a person with a disability married someone without a disability.
"We will also ensure appropriate representation for persons with disabilities in government jobs, and offer jobs to disabled individuals who have excelled in sports. Persons with disabilities should grow by utilising the opportunities provided by the State government. Former Union minister late Jaipal Reddy was an inspiration to persons with disabilities in Telangana," he said.
The Chief Minister also said that the State government was providing government jobs and Indiramma houses to transgender persons, and requested ministers to also nominate transgender persons as co-opted members in the municipal corporations and municipalities.
"The government has decided to support the elderly too through the Pranaam program. We will deduct 10 to 15% from the salaries of government employees who neglect their parents. We must bring those who neglect their parents back on to the right path," he said.
The program was organised under the auspices of the Disabled Persons' Welfare Corporation.
[Some data from:
The New Indian Express]