Laxman Kumar rejects Harish Rao’s charges, seeks debate on PwD welfare

Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Adluri Laxman Kumar, has dismissed allegations by BRSLP deputy floor leader T. Harish Rao regarding the welfare of differently abled individuals under the current Congress administration. In a media interview at the CLP office in the Assembly, Mr. Kumar challenged Mr. Rao to debate the matter in the Assembly.

He criticized the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government for failing to fulfill promises to differently abled persons made during their election campaigns. The Congress government, Kumar stated, is considering the proposal of free travel for differently abled persons in TGSRTC buses, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expected to give a positive response soon.

Kumar vehemently denied Rao's accusations of the Congress betraying persons with disabilities (PwD), urging the opposition leader to present evidence. He emphasized that using PwD for political gain was not acceptable. Kumar detailed the initiatives undertaken by his government, including the distribution of battery-operated vehicles, prosthetic, mobility, and educational aids worth ₹50 crore, and plans to distribute a further ₹50 crore next year.

He highlighted the priority given to housing for PwD under the Indiramma Housing Scheme implemented throughout the State. Kumar reaffirmed the government's dedication to PwD, vowing to sanction new pensions for all eligible individuals. Additionally, he mentioned the implementation of 'Bala Bharosa' to benefit children with disabilities.