Thiruvananthpuram:
More government jobs, free three-wheelers and easy accessibility for physically challenged people in Kerala are the latest sops that the government under Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced on Wednesday.
The state government has asked departments to immediately notify the vacancies for the physically-challenged in government jobs. "We have cleared the list till 2007 and we will clear the present list also at the earliest," he said.
"After a job, the biggest requirement for such people is their free movement. We have decided to give a three wheeler free of cost to all those who want one. The list is getting readied by the Minister of Social Welfare. All those who want a three wheeler will get one," said Mr Chandy.
According to rough estimates which the department has collected at the moment, the list includes about 1200 physically challenged people who have expressed their desire for a three wheeler.
"There is no last date for this scheme. We have also directed the state Public Works department to see that they make suitable arrangements for the physically challenged to come to government offices without any hassle," he said.
He said the Centre has a scheme where they provide Rs.10, 000 each to the physically challenged to buy a wheel chair.
"I met the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik and submitted the proposal. We will collect the centre's contribution and put in the state governments' also. All physically challenged people need just apply for it," he added.