More allowance for the disabled next FY

It is good to note that the government will increase monthly allowance for persons with disabilities under the social security programme in the next budget for fiscal 2022-23. As reported by this daily on Saturday, at present the monthly allowance for a person with disabilities is Tk 750. It will be increased to Tk 850 in the next budget. 

A few decades ago, very few parents were aware of autism. With the onset of globalisation and in the digital era, more people are familiar with autism now than ever. Governments, doctors, NGOs and parents came together to spread increased awareness about autism but still the efforts have not been adequately comprehended in rural Bangladesh. 

We believe every differently able person has the potential to be 

self-employed if they are trained and treated in a strategic manner

Experts assert that one of the most difficult things about autism is the judgment of other people. The problem with autism is that the person finds difficulties being social. For example, a differently able person may acquire high computer skills but become restless with sound or noise. In such cases, offices should create a special working environment for them. 

Reportedly, some 20 lakh disabled people across the country are now getting regular monthly cash allowance from the government. In the next fiscal year, 3 lakh new ones will be added. As a result, a total of 23 lakh disabled people are coming under the social security net. However, besides increasing allowance for persons with disabilities, we must generate employment opportunities for them and the society needs to be more accommodating and friendlier towards them. We believe every differently able person has the potential to be self-employed if they are trained and treated in a strategic manner.

Children with disabilities are targets of bullying, more likely to be victimised, and the society shuns people with autism. Considering this, necessary steps should be taken to raise awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. Also, as a part of the society we must break social, environmental and psychological barriers that come in the way of differently able persons.