Centre to launch unique ID card for differently-abled

SHILLONG: The Centre will launch a unique identity card for differently-abled persons, which will help them in availing benefits of government schemes, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar said today.

"We would soon implement the unique identity card for all persons with disabilities next year. A massive survey will be taken up for the purpose," Gurjar said, addressing a function held here today.

The identity card will ensure accessibility of differently-abled people to various schemes provided by the state and central governments, he said.

The minister has also directed all the states to ensure that certificates are issued to each and every person with disabilities.

Announcing that the Centre would soon come up with a new Bill in this regard, he said, "We are planning to increase the number of categories of disabilities from 7 to 19. Autism is one amongst them."

The Union minister also distributed digital hearing aids, books, teaching learning kits and laptops to over 200 differently-abled persons.

Earlier, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment secretary Lov Verma said the Centre is planning to provide skill training to one lakh differently-abled people in the country.