Persons with disabilities have requested the State government to regularise member of their community working with the Tamil Nadu government and grant them time-scale pay.

At an event held to thank Chief Minister M. K. Stalin for the initiatives that the Tamil Nadu government has taken so far, T.A. P. Varadhukutty, president of congregation of persons with disabilities (Disabled People’s Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations), said, it would greatly help several persons with disabilities if the Government Order (G.O. 151) is implemented.

“Former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has done quite a lot including setting up a Welfare Board for the Differently Abled. Many persons with disability employed with the State government were working on a temporary basis. At the request of various organisations, a Government Order (G.O.151) was passed in 2008 which said, these employees who are working for over two years should be on a regularised time-scale pay. Though it was passed years ago, it is still not reality. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin raised it in the assembly and drew attention to the issue as well. We request the government to bring this order into effect soon,” he said.

A Chidambaram, secretary, congregation of persons with disabilities (Disabled People’s Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations) said, they are expecting a discussion to take place on the GO 151 in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly soon.

K Gopinath, state general secretary, Tamil Nadu Udhavikaram Association for the Welfare of Differently-Abled said, “We are also seeking an appointment with the CM for a bigger gathering to thank him in person and place our requests,” he said.

The meeting was organised by Arasu Palnokku Maruthuvamanai Anaithu Maatru Thiranaali Paniyalarkal Maanila Sangam (APMAMTPS)