CHENNAI: As many as 2,000 people with disabilities in the state will be provided new battery-operated wheelchairs by April, said V Saroja, minister of social welfare and nutritious meal programme. She made the announcement at an event on Thursday. “The 2,000 people we have on the list are in dire need and they will be given the wheelchairs first,” said the minister. “Later, we will distribute the chairs to others depending on their medical need,” she said and added that the chairs cost Rs 72,000 each.
The government made the announcement regarding this last year but was criticised by activists and people with disabilities after it allegedly failed to fulfill its promise. In 2017 too the government said it would provide 1,000 motorised wheelchairs, but less than 200 people received it. Some beneficiaries claimed they were damaged.

Johny Tom Varghese, commissioner of department of welfare of differently abled persons, said the wheelchairs have a 3-year guarantee and people can approach the distributing agency in case of repairs. “As many as 872 people have been provided with the automated wheelchairs. They had severe spinal disorders. Five thousand more are in the pipeline and they will be distributed soon.”
Saroja announced that they will also implement home-based intervention programmes in 23 blocks in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. As part this, an early intervention specialist will visit the child and its family at home and provide comprehensive services. It is meant to serve children aged under five with developmental delays and disabilities and help address their unique needs. “A child responds better when he/she is at home with their families. This pilot project was successful, hence we decided to expand it to other rural areas. But, we are also looking at expanding the services across the state,” said Saroja. A sum of Rs 2.37 crore has been sanctioned for the project.