Mumbai: BMC forms new policy to help disabled residents financially

The initiative fulfils a longstanding demand of disabled citizens

The planning department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has formulated a policy to provide financial assistance to disabled residents of the city. Once the proposal is approved, around 56,000 individuals with physical disability will receive Rs 20,000 in annual financial aid from the BMC.

According to a BMC official, the objective is to extend financial support to citizens with more than 40 per cent disability who are registered with the Union government. Approximately 56,000 disabled individuals in the city have a disability of 40 per cent or more and possess Union government identity cards. We have submitted a proposal to the administration and are awaiting approval, primarily from the finance department, as budgetary provisions are required.

"The financial aid will be provided in two installments every six months. Each term, BMC will allocate Rs 10,000 to eligible disabled individuals," the official said. This initiative fulfils a longstanding demand of disabled citizens. The Navi Mumbai and the Thane municipal corporations have already extended financial assistance to disabled citizens in their respective cities.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Prachi Jambekhar confirmed the update, stating, "Yes, we have drafted a proposal for providing aid. The proposal is pending approval." "While providing financial support is commendable, it's equally important to ensure opportunities for employment for disabled individuals. This aspect should also be taken into consideration," remarked Siddhant Shah, founder of the non-governmental organisation Access for All.

56,000
No. of individuals with more than 40% disability