Honnappa Goolappa said the Rs 32,000 income limit was unrealistic, affecting poor families and causing thousands to lose monthly assistance
RAICHUR
Members of the Karnataka State Disabled and Guardians’ Union staged a protest at Tipu Sultan Park in Raichur on Monday, demanding restoration of reduced and suspended monthly allowances for disabled persons, senior citizens and widows. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the District Collector.
Speaking at the protest, union district president Honnappa Goolappa said the government’s annual income limit of Rs 32,000 for social security benefits was unrealistic and affected poor families. He said thousands of beneficiaries had faced difficulties after their monthly assistance was stopped.
The protesters stated that the current income limit does not match the rising cost of living. They compared it with the BPL family income limit of Rs 1.20 lakh annually and claimed that the lower limit for social security schemes was unfair. They said the allowance is essential for medicines, medical treatment, food and daily expenses of disabled persons, elderly people and widows.
The union demanded immediate removal of the Rs 32,000 income restriction and requested that the BPL income standard be considered for eligibility. They also sought the restoration of suspended disability, old age and widow pensions. The protesters demanded a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 for persons with 40 to 74 per cent disability and Rs 5,000 for those with more than 75 per cent disability.
The organisation urged the government to review social security policies on humanitarian grounds by considering similar measures followed in other states. Protesters warned that a statewide movement would be launched if their demands were not addressed. They said timely financial support is necessary to protect vulnerable groups and help them live with dignity.
Key demands raised in protest
- Remove Rs 32,000 income limit for social security benefits
- Restore suspended disability, old age and widow pensions immediately
- Adopt BPL income standard for social security eligibility criteria
- Provide Rs 3,000 monthly allowance for moderate disabilities
- Increase disability allowance to Rs 5,000 for severe cases