Visually-impaired to get jobs on merit, quota

LAHORE:Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals on a priority basis.

The government will introduce necessary legislation for the welfare of visually impaired individuals to ensure a long-term solution. He emphasised that the government is investing billions of rupees in supporting deserving individuals across the province. The government is ensuring that qualified and capable individuals receive employment in government departments based on merit and quota.

He made these remarks on Monday while chairing a meeting of the committee formed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to promote the social inclusion of visually impaired individuals. The meeting, held at the Finance Department’s committee room, was attended by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt, additional chief secretary and senior officials from relevant departments.

Mujtaba Shuja said the employment opportunities will be provided to those with educational qualifications and the ability to work, while those unable to work will not be left without support.

The finance minister highlighted that Punjab chief minister is taking a personal interest in addressing the concerns of visually impaired individuals. The primary objective of the committee is to provide social security and integrate them into the economic mainstream. He further noted that certain anti-state elements are exploiting visually impaired individuals for personal gain through unionisation.

He said that Punjab government is fully aware of its responsibilities and will not allow any marginalised group to be used against the state. The government is committed to finding sustainable solutions for their challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt praised the chief minister’s initiative in forming the committee and underscored the importance of formal legislation for the social inclusion of visually impaired individuals.

He stressed that this segment of society deserves urgent attention and support on humanitarian grounds. He further stated that employment opportunities and financial assistance could help them achieve self-sufficiency.

The meeting was informed that Punjab has approximately 40,000 visually impaired individuals, with varying degrees of disability. While many have the capacity to work, others require financial support. Efforts are underway to extend these facilities to all visually impaired individuals in the province.

The Social Welfare Secretary provided a detailed briefing on the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and the measures taken so far to address them. He stated that those deemed fit for work are being provided employment, while others are benefiting from various social protection schemes.

The additional chief secretary emphasised the need for legislation to ensure the long-term social inclusion of visually impaired individuals. The participants of meeting discussed lifting the ban on the recruitment of visually impaired individuals and expanding the scope of financial assistance programmes.

The finance minister proposed amendments to existing regulations to ensure the swift resolution of their issues. He assured that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented following approval from the provincial cabinet.