The district panchayat will shortly begin a comprehensive survey in the district to prepare a data bank of differently abled people.
District panchayat officials say it is the first time such a survey is carried out in the district for preparing a detailed record and introduce more supportive schemes for their empowerment.
The support of all three- tier panchayats will be sought to complete the survey. Mainly, the technical support of various voluntary organisations, anganwadi workers and college students will be utilised to visit the houses of differently abled citizens and record the details.
District panchayat president Kanathil Jameela says there are no reliable records with any of the district offices on the actual number of differently abled citizens. This remains a big obstacle while thinking of newer schemes for their improvement and welfare, she adds.
Proposal
According to Ms. Jameela, the survey will look into the details of their educational qualification, percentage of disability, occupation, economic status, and possibilities of suitable rehabilitation. On completion of the survey, the district panchayat will also submit a detailed proposal to the State government for suitable action, she adds.
