-Outlook Bhubaneshwar: 'Universal Identity Cards' would be issued to people with disabilities for which a survey would begin next month to ascertain the exact number of disabled people in the country, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said today. "The census figure does not provide a clear and proper picture on the actual number of disabled persons. Our ministry has decided to conduct a country-wide survey to identify people...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: After a gap of fourteen years since it last checked the trend of drug abuse in the country, the Centre is now all set to conduct an "advanced survey" on the extent, pattern and trend of drug abuse among the citizens. In order to assess the extent and nature of addiction in the country at present, the government will conduct an advanced pilot survey in two...

-PTI   After eight years, Gujarat got final approval to raise by about 17 metres the height of Sardar Sarovar dam. After a wait of eight long years, the Gujarat government on Thursday got final approval to raise by about 17 metres the height of Sardar Sarovar dam - the country's most controversial dam project - in a big boost to the state which often faces water woes due to deficient rains. The...

-Economic and Political Weekly     Disabled citizens face a traumatic time procuring the crucial disability certificate. Among the tasks that fill most Indians with dread is the act of procuring the all-important identity and eligibility documents so dear to the Indian bureaucracy. Imagine the plight of disabled citizens for whom getting a disability certificate that officially recognises their disability and medically ranks it in percentage terms has long been a nightmarish experience. Yet,...

-The Telegraph The Centre today approved changes in a scheme for the disabled that will help more of them buy aids cheaper and get higher cash assistance for surgeries. A key change in the scheme, last reviewed nine years ago, opens it to those with incomes higher than current limits, effectively widening it. Under the revised guidelines of the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase, Fitting of Aids/Appliances (Adip Scheme), 100...