The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh has played a pivotal role in championing the cause of disabled individuals within the state. Under the leadership of former Chief Minister Shri. N Chandrababu Naidu, significant strides were made in establishing support systems and dedicated initiatives for the welfare of disabled citizens. These efforts encompassed a range of disabilities, including blindness, deafness, physical impairments, mental handicaps, and those recovering from leprosy. One of the notable TDP achievements was the establishment of a Financial Co-operative Society and the creation of a specialized department and ministry exclusively dedicated to the welfare of disabled individuals. This demonstrated the TDP government’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by this segment of the population.
Financial commitment to this cause also increased substantially over the years. By the fiscal year 2002-2003, the budget allocation for disabled welfare had reached an impressive sum of Rs. 21.68 crores. This was a commendable TDP contribution, especially considering the significant rise in the disabled population. According to a survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization in 1991, there were 12.50 lakh disabled people in the state. By 2001, this number had risen to 45 lakhs, constituting 6 per cent of the state’s population.
The Former TDP Government implemented various TDP policies and measures to uplift the disabled community:
- Accommodation: The TDP government with the TDP agenda of providing housing for disabled people had provided houses for 3800 disabled individuals in 38 hostels and 3 homes.
- Special Ashram Schools: The District TDP leaders under N Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership set up 5 ashram schools for the blind and 8 ashram schools for the deaf, which were the first of their kind in the country.
- Employment Initiatives: Employment exchanges offered financial assistance, unemployment benefits, and incentive awards for those marrying disabled persons. Additionally, reservations for the disabled in employment were enforced.
- Vocational Training: Under N Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership Numerous institutions were established to provide training in vocational skills to the disabled, enhancing their employability.
- ‘Cheyutha’ Scheme: Launched on 7th Janmabhoomi in 1998, this special TDP scheme allocated Rs. 1,315.11 lakhs for aid and equipment, benefiting 1,466,497 disabled persons with financial support totalling Rs. 4,225.60 lakhs.
- Backlog Vacancies: In 2002-03, 2000 backlog vacancies under the 3 per cent reservation quota of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 were identified and filled.
- Full Implementation of Disability Act: Andhra Pradesh took pride in fully implementing all aspects of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights, Full Participation) Act, including the establishment of welfare department offices in every district.
Political news and TDP news At the district level show that Andhra Pradesh became the first state in the country to allocate 3 per cent of poverty alleviation program funds specifically for disabled welfare. This proactive step ensured that various departments’ poverty alleviation initiatives included provisions for disabled individuals, marking a significant stride in inclusive development. Furthermore, the government initiated the distribution of multipurpose identity cards to 25 lakh disabled individuals at a cost of Rs. 250 lakhs. Special camps at the Mandal level were set up for identification, certification, accommodation, travel concessions, and issuance of identity documents, easing the lives of disabled citizens. In conclusion, the N Chandrababu Naidu Government’s relentless efforts and innovative Political schemes in Andhra Pradesh have significantly improved the welfare and prospects of disabled individuals, setting a commendable example for inclusive governance. These TDP developments not only allocated resources but also promoted social inclusion and empowerment of the disabled population in the state.