KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani has said his administration will consider creating an independent entity to deal with issues related to the families of martyrs and the physically-challenged people.
During a meeting with representatives of the disabled and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Nasrin Oryakhel at the Presidential Palace, Ghani promised curbs on corruption and fake affidavits.
A statement from the Presidential Palace on Sunday quoted Oryakhel as saying her ministry planned to conduct a survey to determine the exact number of special people across the country.
“We are trying to banish corruption and provide education and work opportunities for the special people,” Oryakhel said, adding her ministry and the Supreme Court were trying to check fake documentation.
Additionally, she said they were working together with the Ministry of Public Health to identify the level of disabilities. Currently, 8,955 disabled people and 125,000 families of martyrs are registered with the ministry.
Each of them is getting 5,000 afghanis in cash assistance on a monthly basis from the government. On the basis of reports, 89,000 of the disabled people are getting privileges on the basis of fake documents.
Ghani assured the government would pay greater attention to resolving the problems of the disabled and respond to their demands and suggestions keeping in view the available resources.
The government would look into the establishment of an independent authority for tackling the affairs of martyrs’ families and the disabled. They will be offered government jobs on merit as well representation in the Meshrano Jirga (upper house of parliament).
Ghani pledged to enhance facilities the special people and relatives of martyrs, including a three percent quota for them in government jobs. They have already been given quotas in scholarships and Haj.
According to the statement, the president said the government would take the required measures to facilitate the medical treatment of the disabled inside and outside the country. (Pajhwok)