Pension, a far cry for leprosy-affected

CHENNAI: Ostracized and banished leprosy affected people (LAP) in the state are further alienated, as disability pension is denied to them on grounds of not being able to meet the requisite disability benchmark as prescribed by an archaic 1974 GO (government order).The Disability Act 1995, clearly states that a person who is certified with 40 percent disability is eligible for the disability pension. But sadly, the State Government on fixing the eligibility criteria for disability pension, follows only the 1974 GO issued by the state department of finance, which fixes 60 percent disability as a criterion to be eligible for pension.Dr PK Gopal is a leprosy-affected person and the Founder President of an NGO — Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement of people affected by Leprosy. Gopal, who has been working on these issues for more than two decades, said, “It is very unfortunate the government is having double standards on this issue. By following the 1974 GO to fix the eligibility criteria for disability pension, they are excluding many who would otherwise be eligible for this pension under the disability act. We are highly disappointed and pained by the attitude of the government, because this pension will make a world of difference to the lives of many destitute leprosy affected persons.”Simmachandran, General Secretary of Tamil Nadu Federation of physically Handicapped Association condemned the stand of the government.“While sending international reports, the state government is stating that they are following the disability Act 1995, then why are not following the 1995 Act in fixing the eligibility criteria for disability pension. Besides this 1974 GO should be scrapped because it is ‘Anti-disabled’ because this GO fixes criteria: like should be 45 years of age, and should not have an annual income of more than Rs 5,000 an year, no child etc. This GO I would say is only focused on excluding as many disabled people from benefitting from the disability pension,” he said.Sundraraman (60) had applied for the pension three times in last seven years, but was denied the benefit citing the GO. He said, “My brother’s family had thrown me out of their home. Leprosy had eaten up all my fingers, I am disabled, I cannot do any work. If I get this Rs 1,000 a month, it will definitely transform my shameful existence.”Sundraraman now lives in a government-run home in Chengalpattu, has no income and nobody to count on as well. There are many like him, whose life could be transformed if they get this disability pension.Dr PK Gopal, raised another pertinent issue of disability certificate to the leprosy-affected, “To certify the disability level of the blind, they have ophthalmologist and for the deaf the government had appointed the ENT specialist. But the disability level of the leprosy affected person is only certified by an orthopedician. We request the government to allow the leprologist, who understands their issues, to certify their disability.” PR Sampath, State Commissioner for the Differently-Abled promised to look into the issue and do the needful.