Context:

• With an eye on upcoming elections, the government of Rajasthan is leaving no stone unturned in order to cement its development credentials.
• In one of such decisions, after several years of wait, the persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the state will be given caregiver allowances of Rs 1,000 each.
• This amount will be over and above the social security pension benefit of Rs 750 given to the specially-abled persons.
• This announcement was made by chief minister Ashok Gehlot in the state assembly recently.
• Rajasthan will become the first state in the country to give caregiver allowances to specially abled persons according to national vice-president, Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh.
• Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh had written to the Chief minister requesting him to ensure giving caregiver allowances to those specially-abled persons who are suffering from multiple disabilities (with high support needs) and are not able to enjoy benefits of other welfare schemes for PwDs.
• This is a now being regarded as a good initiative of the state government.
• It should be noted here that the Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh had demanded that at least Rs 3,000 should be given to specially-abled persons as caregiver allowances.
• The office of the commissioner for persons with disabilities (PwDs) had earlier directed the Social justice and empowerment department and the Directorate of specially-abled persons to ensure giving 'caregiver' allowances to those specially abled persons who are suffering from multiple disabilities (with high support needs) and are not able to enjoy benefits of other welfare schemes for PwDs, based on a petition filed by the national vice-presiden of Divyang Adhikar Mahasangh.
• According to Section 24 (3) (i) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act, care-giver allowance shall be provided to PwDs with high support needs.