Bhubaneswar: ‘Universal Identity Cards’ would be issued to people with disabilities for which a survey would begin next month to ascertain the exact number of disabled people in the country, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said today.
“The census figure does not provide a clear and proper picture on the actual number of disabled persons. Our ministry has decided to conduct a country-wide survey to identify people with disabilities and issue them universal identity cards,” Gehlot told reporters here.
Stating that the survey slated to begin next month would be completed by March 2015, the Union Minister said the multipurpose identity cards would enable the persons with disabilities to avail treatment and other facilities in any part of the country.
In the absence of proper identity cards, disabled people often face difficulties in getting treatment and other facilities when they move out of their states, he said.
Elaborate deliberations have been undertaken during the last two months pertaining to the proposed exercise to identify people with disabilities and issue them cards, he said adding preparations are on for the purpose.
Though a person is recognised as disabled if he/she has more than 40 per cent disability as per norms, those with less degree of physical deformity should also be considered as disabled and issued identity cards, he said.
