Non Government Initiatives

Chennai: Calling attention to employment status

The Federation of Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Associations has appealed to the State Government to allot adequate funds and announce more welfare schemes for physically challenged in the coming budget.

Federation President, G Chidambaranathan said around one lakh physically challenged graduates in the State registered with employment exchanges had been waiting for jobs for well over 20 years.

Stating that 70 per cent of them were illiterate, he said about 4.50 lakh physically challenged school dropouts remained jobless and wanted assistance for self–employment.

Chidambaranathan said the Government should provide free education to all physically challenged persons up to higher education and set up special coaching centres in all districts for competitive exams for them.

Appealing to the Government to properly implement the three per cent reservation in government departments for physically challenged, he urged the Government to enact a law for five per cent reservation in private sector.

Source: Call to create jobs for physically challenged, Indian Express, Chennai, 22 January 2008.