HYDERABAD: GHMC’s flagship programme to provide specialised ID cards for the city’s differently-abled population finally got underway, with VIKASAM, the special wing under the corporation devoted to the same, initiating the process after a two-month long delay in operations.As per the procedure, the applicant can either download the application form from the GHMC’s website or request for it from the head-office or any of the circle offices.“After duly filling in the form, they should send it with two photographs, disability certificate and address and contact details to the circle offices or the GHMC office,” said Dr M Krishna Chaitanya, senior specialist in disability welfare with the GHMC.He said an applicant would receive the ID card within a maximum of 7 days after submitting the form. “Presently, we do not have the online mode of application since then even persons not residing in Hyderabad would register themselves to seek benefits which would be a wasteful exercise during filtering,” he added.This initiative is the first of its kind by any corporation in the country and hopes to provide a specialised tag to every differently-abled person in GHMC limits who can then be tracked to take care of their special needs, provide for skill training and be encouraged to start SHGs depending on common skill set.“We have already received 40 applications within one week of launch. We plan to put into action the 98 field officers with the Urban Community Development department to collect information of other similar persons in the coming days. Also, in late May we will hold a special drive to induct field staff for each of the 18 circles,” explained Dr Krishna.Rambabu, one of the beneficiaries of the scheme, was elated when asked about the deliverables to be provided to him as per the scheme. “Now we too will have a special identity. The card will give us travel concessions and help meet some of the aid equipments we require. It is a good initiative for all differently- abled persons in the city.”The mayor is expected to formalise the scheme and issue the fist ID card later next week.
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