Pongal hamper is for family, not individuals, TN tells HC

Pongal hamper is for family, not individuals, TN tells HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:  01.01.2021

The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday informed the Madras high court that ₹2,500 Pongal cash gift is meant for the entire family holding ration cards and not for individuals. Therefore, disabled persons cannot claim a 25% hike in the gift as provided in the law, the state said.

Advocate-general Vijay Narayan made the submission while opposing a PIL moved by the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC).

Recording the submission, a vacation bench of Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Anita Sumanth directed the state to file a detailed counter and adjourned the plea to January 5.

According to the petitioner, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, disabled persons are entitled to get 25% higher in any scheme announced by the state for the welfare of the people.

As per the act, the quantum of assistance to the persons with disabilities under social welfare schemes and programmes shall be at least 25% higher than similar schemes applicable to others, advocate Karal Marx said, representing the petitioner.

Relying on the act, the petitioner said, “As per section 24 of the act, the appropriate government shall formulate necessary schemes and programmes to safeguard and promote the rights of persons with disabilities for an adequate standard of living to enable them to live independently or in the community:”

Claiming that the mandatory provision of the act has not been complied with by the state while announcing the Pongal cash gift, the petitioner wanted the court to direct the state to implement the law and increase the gift amount for disabled persons.