14-member delegation meets State Disability Commissioner, seeks ₹10,000 monthly pension, awareness campaigns and coordinated welfare measures
Ranchi: A 14-member delegation led by Lahu Bolega Blood Donation Organization, Ranchi, and the Jharkhand Thalassemia Patients Association met Jharkhand State Disability Commissioner and Deputy Secretary, Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security, Kirtishree (IAS) at the State Disability Commission office in Dhurwa on Wednesday. The delegation demanded stronger social security measures, protection of rights and comprehensive welfare facilities for children and families affected by thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and aplastic anemia.
The delegation welcomed the State Disability Commissioner by presenting a traditional Jharkhandi stole and a bouquet. During the meeting, they pointed out that although these diseases are recognized as disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, patients in Jharkhand are still deprived of several rights and benefits. They said that, at present, most government support is limited to disability pension.
The representatives informed the Commissioner that, with the support of blood donation organizations and voluntary blood donors across all 24 districts of Jharkhand, more than 11,000 patients suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and aplastic anemia have been identified in the state. They claimed that Jharkhand ranks second in the country after Chhattisgarh in terms of the number of such identified patients.
The delegation highlighted the wide gap between existing policies and their implementation. They urged the government to formulate a coordinated policy involving the departments of Health, Education, Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Railways, Transport, Employment, Sports, Culture and other concerned departments to ensure equal opportunities, justice and essential services for patients.
The delegation also demanded state-level awareness campaigns, seminars and conferences, a monthly pension of ₹10,000 for patients on the lines of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and early action on memorandums already submitted to various government departments. They further pointed out that the existing ₹1,000 monthly disability pension has remained pending for the last three months.
State Disability Commissioner Kirtishree (IAS) assured the delegation that their demands would be examined seriously and that discussions would be held with the concerned officials to issue necessary and practical guidelines for different departments.
The delegation comprised Nadeem Khan, Sanjay Toppo, Suranjan Bara, Sanjay Mahto, Surti Devi, Devki Devi, Seema Devi, Sujata Kumari, Bimla Kachhap, Sangeeta Kumari, Leela Devi, Majidan Khatoon, Shanti Devi and Aneesh Toppo.
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