The proposal sent to the cabinet for final approval seeks monthly allowances and caretakers to those with severe disabilities, and jobs and vocational training to those with less severe disabilities, according to sources familiar with the proposal. [break]
"We will implement the programs within a week after receiving written letter from cabinet," said Satya Pahadi, minister for Peace and Reconstruction. She also informed that the data on those injured during the people´s movement of 2006 and the Madhes movment is ready but that they are yet to be catogorized.
As per the proposal, the injured and disabled will be categorized into four groups -- special class, first class, second class and third class -- and provided with different packages, depending on the severity of disabilities and injuries.
Combatants with serious disabilities will fall in the "special class" and will receive Rs 10,000 in monthly allowance. In addition, they will be provided with caretakers, who would receive Rs 6,250 monthly salary from the state coffers. Altogether 23 combatants are likely to fall in this category.
Similarly, combatants who do not need caretakers but have lost body parts like eyes, hands, legs and have been living with artificial organs would be categorized as first class disabled combatants. Even those suffering from incurable mental trauma will be categorized as first class disabled combatants. The ministry has proposed to give Rs 10,000 in monthly allowance to such combatants. The number of combatants likely to fall in this category is 423.
Likewise, combatants who have disabilities but can work would be categorized as second class disabled combatants. The government will provide vocational training and job to such combatants. The cost of such training will not exceed 30 percent of their voluntary retirement package. In addition, the government will provide free treatment to these combatants. Some 1,729 combatants are likely to fall in this category.
As per the ministry´s proposal, the combatants with minor injuries would be categorized as third class disabled combatants. The government will provide them free treatment, vocational training and jobs. As many as 892 combatants are likely to fall in this category.
The ministry came up with the proposal following a directive from the Special Committee. The cross-party committee took up the issue of such injured and disabled combatants demanded that the government ensure them a secure future.
The ministry had formed a taskforce to prepare the package for the disabled and injured combatants. The taskforce headed by Krishna Regmi, a Maoist leader, had collected details of the injured combatants from all the cantonments.
Related story
Let’s live in peace and embrace diversity
