Bangalore: The Department of Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens will soon take up a pilot project in the State to facilitate formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of persons with disabilities in rural areas.

Speaking to presspersons here on Wednesday, V. Srirama Reddy, Director of the Department of Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens, said that 10 SHGs would be formed in each district on a pilot basis and group members would be given training in various vocations such as agarbathi-making, pickle making or packaging of products.

"To ensure that people with disabilities in rural areas, who make up a large chunk of the disabled population in the State, are not neglected, the project was envisioned," he said. "The State Government has allocated Rs. 10 crore for the project and we plan to start by December 15. Each group will be given a revolving fund of Rs. 25,000 and soft loans may also be provided from banks. Based on the success of these group the project will be expanded," Mr. Reddy added.

Training

The Government had sanctioned Rs. 3 crore for providing six-month computer/vocational training to persons with disabilities so that they get jobs in the information technology/biotechnology sector and in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) units here. Under this scheme, vocational training would be given for candidates who have studied up to Pre-University or SSLC in apparel technology, DTP and Data Entry and in skills to work in leather manufacturing or construction industry.

The Department was planning to open working women's hostels in 20 districts and Rs. 2 crore had been earmarked for this, Mr. Reddy said.

Awards

On the occasion of World Disabled Day, State awards would be given to six individuals who have worked in the field of disabilities and five special teachers award would also be given. Sri Vishwadharma Mahila Matthu Makkala Shikshana Sevashrama of Hubli has been identified for the State award.

Various events, including a sports meet for disabled persons, are being organised to mark the day.

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