Funds sought for specially abled people: Minister

Belagavi: Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said a proposal has been submitted to the chief minister seeking a special allocation in this year's budget for the welfare of persons with disabilities. Speaking at the inauguration of the sports meet for the differently-abled here on Saturday, the minister said she hoped to prioritise facilities for them and expected the CM to make a favourable announcement in the budget. Hebbalkar inaugurated the sports meet organised at the district stadium as part of the World Disabled Day celebrations. The main goal of the govt is to bring the disabled into the mainstream of society, she added. Deputy director of the youth empowerment and sports department, B Srinivas, and deputy director of the women and child development department, Chethan Kumar MN, participated as the chief guests, and encouraged the athletes. Teachers from various special schools in the district, specially abled children, officebearers of voluntary organisations and rehabilitation workers participated in the sporting event. Cultural competitions attracted attention.