The Cabinet has approved the amendment of the Haryana Divyang Pension Rules, 2016.
In a major step towards inclusivity and support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Haryana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, has approved amendments to the Haryana Disabled Pension Rules, 2016. As a result of this decision, 10 more categories of PwDs in Haryana will now qualify for pension benefits.
This move is in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, under which the Central Government recognizes 21 categories of disabilities. Previously, the Haryana Government provided pension benefits to individuals with 11 disability categories. With the recent approval of the amendments, an additional 32,000 PwDs will now be eligible to receive monthly pension benefits.
The newly added categories include Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Speech and Language Disability, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, Multiple Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Chronic Neurological Conditions.
Currently, there are 2,08,071 beneficiaries in Haryana receiving a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 under the Haryana Divyang Pension scheme, according to the UDID portal. With the addition of these 10 new categories, around 32,000 more PwDs will be able to benefit.
The Cabinet has also removed the age requirement for individuals with Hemophilia and Thalassemia to receive financial assistance. Previously, patients had to be at least 18 years old to qualify for support. Under the revised rules, assistance will be provided to these individuals regardless of their age. Additionally, financial aid for Hemophilia, Thalassemia, and Sickle Cell Anemia will be given on top of any other social security pension the beneficiaries may already be receiving.
These amendments demonstrate the continued dedication of Nayab Sarkar to the welfare and empowerment of PwDs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to live dignified lives.