Government facilities should reach the needy in time, says Shahid Thekkil

Shahid Thekkil emphasises timely government support for the differently-abled to ensure their equal societal progress in Mangaluru.

Karnataka State Minimum Wages Advisory Board chairman T.M. Shahid Thekkil, on Friday, said government facilities meant for the differently-abled should be provided to them at the earliest so that they can progress equally in society.

He was speaking after inaugurating a program to distribute side-wheel scooters to differently-abled persons. The initiative was sponsored by various employers in collaboration with the Dakshina Kannada District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the Departments of Labour, Factories & Boilers, Health, Empowerment of the Disabled and Senior Citizens, and Transport.

Mr. Thekkil said the disabled should progress in society just like others. In this regard, various departments should provide facilities to them without delay. These facilities should be conducive to their work and service like others. He said that the State government is committed to providing minimum wages to the workers so that their lives are uplifted.

Eco-Tourism Development Board chairperson Shalet Lavina Pinto, Cashew Development Board chairperson Mamatha Gatti, Konkani Academy president Joaquin Stanley Alvaris, Mangaluru Urban Development Authority chairman Sadashiva Ullal, Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan, Deputy Director of Factories Rajesh Misrikoti, Mangaluru Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) chief general manager Prashant Baliga and others were present.

As many as 90 side-wheel scooters were distributed to the beneficiaries. While MRPL has sponsored 50 vehicles, MCF provided 27, BSF provided five, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) provided three, and Arvind Motors, Mandovi Motors, Campco and Invenger Technologies have sponsored one vehicle each.