As part of its efforts to banish all ills that can impede the State’s transition to a knowledge hub, the government has introduced a series of educational schemes for not just the backward communities but also, in a first of its kind, for students who come from economically backward families regardless of the community they belong to.
To provide a ladder to the physically-disabled students to scale great heights in life, the government proposes to start a Study Circle to train them for competitive exams and civil services.
“We proposed to start AP Study Circle for the Differently-Abled in Vijayawada this month. The location is not finalised yet,” said Deputy Director of the Department of Differently-Abled and Welfare of Senior Citizens Kumar Raja.
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The new facility will impart free coaching to eligible candidates helping them prepare for competitive exams conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). “Gradually it will be scaled up and candidates aspiring for civil services will also be given coaching to appear for exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission [UPSC],” said Mr. Kumar Raja.
According to the 2011 census, there are around 11 lakh-odd physically-disabled people in the 13 districts and a large number of them stand to benefit by the move.
Many physically challenged persons languish in abject poverty without proper food, clothing and shelter. Taking their ordeal into account, two new homes for the blind and destitute have been started in Anantapur and Kakinada. This is in addition to setting up a junior college for visually impaired in Visakhapatnam, a school for differently-abled at Hindupur and a home for orthopaedically disabled persons sanctioned in Guntur district.
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“The idea is to help them educate themselves, enhance their skills, find suitable jobs and lead a life of dignity,” said Mr. Kumar Raja.
Existing schemes:
Disabled people receive pension contributed by the State and the Central governments under schemes such as the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme; visually impaired persons are entitled to free bus travel in the city and suburban areas with escorts.
A grant of ₹1 lakh is given if a non-disabled person marries a physically challenged person. Educational scholarships are given to all categories of physically-disabled candidates.