WELFARE PROGRAMMES AND EMPOWERMENT OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS IN KARNATAKA

An attempt is made in this paper is to analyze the welfare programmes and empowerment of physically disabled persons in Karnataka. The persons with disabilities (PWDs) come under the under privileged strata of population. They are at disadvantage due to disabilities and lack of opportunities. It does not mean that they are not capable of discharging their duties. What is necessary is that they need proper motivation, support and opportunities. In India, as in other welfare states, PWDs have been recognized as fuller and respectful citizens of the country. Discrimination and indifference towards them are legally and morally prohibited. The PWDs, can be the greatest assets of the country, provided they are well nourished, properly educated, and imparted with the latest branches of knowledge. Government and the civilized community are well aware of the moral responsibility of empowering the PWDs in the country. They see their abilities and not the disabilities. Government is legally bound to extend equal opportunities and access to them in education, employment and give them a barrier-free environment. Accordingly, to improve their living conditions, an array of ICIFs is offered to them at different stages of their life. The ICIFs offered for promoting welfare of PWDs are wide ranging. It is pertinent to examine the adequacy of ICIFs and the extent to which they are availed of, and the problems associated with their availment from the point of view of understanding how they have exerted their impact on the promotion of welfare of the PWDs. The present Research Project addresses itself to this important task.