Aiming to create 100,000 jobs for the physically challenged in the private sector, the Centre on Friday announced a scheme under which any company employing such people will get financial assistance for three years.
The assistance will be in form of contribution in the employees' provident fund by the Central government.
"Under this scheme, the entire employer contribution for EPF and ESIC for three years will be borne by the Government of India," Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Veena Chhotray said at a meeting of State Commissioners of Disabilities in New Delhi.
She said Rs 1,800 crore (Rs 18 billion) has been earmarked for this purpose and several industry bodies have been roped in to implement the scheme successfully.
"Unless and until the industries and government get together and formulate strategies for its proper implementation, the scheme would remain on paper only," Chhotray said, adding technology giant IBM has employed a significant number of persons with disabilities.
Emphasising the need for having independent state Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities, she said the government has recognised the fact that there was an urgent need to strengthen the office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and all state Commissioners offices.
"The fact was recognised by the Ministry and the Planning Commission. So far they (Commissioners) have been given non-plan support but they should be given support under plan head," Chhotray said.
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