Differently abled assn seeks increase in monthly aid

Madurai: Around 500 members of the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers Association (TARATDAC) held a ‘jail filling' agitation on Tuesday in Madurai, seeking enhancement and timely disbursal of monthly assistance for differently abled persons.

As part of a statewide protest by TARATDAC, agitations were held near the Madurai district collectorate and Peraiyur taluk office. The protesters condemned the state govt for failing to increase the monthly assistance, citing a fund crunch.

"The Andhra Pradesh govt was able to increase the monthly assistance for differently abled persons to a minimum of 6,000 and up to 15,000 for those with severe disabilities. The population and finances of that state are not so different from Tamil Nadu. In TN, most differently abled persons get only 1,500, while those with severe disability get 2,000, which is nowhere near enough to ensure the welfare of the differently abled persons," said A Balamurugan, district secretary, Madurai city, TARATDAC.

TARATDAC further demanded that the state govt ensure that monthly assistance is provided in a timely manner and that all are covered. "The e-seva centre has become an important place for getting various works done and availing govt services. However, differently abled struggle to access it in Madurai. We demand a separate e-seva centre with staff to help them," added Balamurugan.