Jobaaj Stories
The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government is facing widespread criticism over an 80% reduction in funds allocated for schemes supporting the differently-abled. The National Federation for the Blind has expressed serious concerns over the decision, which slashes the budget from Rs 54 crore in FY 2023-24 to just Rs 10 crore for FY 2024-25. This drastic cut has left thousands of individuals with disabilities without access to essential aids and services.
In a strongly worded letter to the state government, the Federation described the funding reduction as "unjustifiable and unprecedented." They pointed out that many applicants this year have been unable to access vital benefits due to the severe budget constraints. Among the affected programs are provisions for talking laptops for visually impaired students, braille kits for the visually challenged, motorised two-wheelers and battery-operated wheelchairs for individuals with locomotor disabilities, sewing machines for those with hearing impairments, and financial aid to purchase assistive devices tailored to individual needs.
Gautam Agarwal, General Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind of India, expressed shock at the decision, especially considering the increase in applications for these schemes. “The number of applicants has gone up this year, making the cut even more difficult to understand,” Agarwal stated. He emphasized that these schemes are not charity, but critical initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for one of the most vulnerable sections of society.
“These are lifeline initiatives,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of these programs. Agarwal also pointed out that many of the schemes have been operating on outdated budgets for years. He gave the example of the talking laptop scheme, which was introduced a decade ago when a talking laptop cost Rs 45,000. Today, the cost of the same device has nearly doubled to Rs 96,000, yet funding has not been adjusted to meet the rising costs.
The Karnataka Congress govt’s cruelty knows no bounds. Slashing 80% of funds meant for differently abled individuals is an unforgivable betrayal. Essential supports are lifelines, not luxuries. For Congress, they’re mere PR props, not lives to empower. Shameful and inhumane! pic.twitter.com/hOdymGvNDD
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) November 29, 2024
The timing of the funding cut has sparked additional criticism, as it comes just after the government approved an additional Rs 58,000 crore for other sectors. Critics argue that the state’s decision to slash funds for the differently-abled while allocating massive sums elsewhere highlights a troubling lack of priority for the welfare of disabled citizens.
As protests and calls for reconsideration grow louder, the Karnataka government faces mounting pressure to restore the funding for these essential schemes.
