Seeking Doubling of Tax Exemptions for Differently-Abled: Minister Gehlot

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot today said that his ministry has requested finance ministry to consider doubling the tax exemptions for differently-abled persons.

"We have requested Finance Ministry to consider tax exemptions for differently-abled people. We have sought the doubling of the exemptions currently enjoyed by them. The finance ministry is looking into the matter," Mr Gehlot told reporters.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of the 13th national meeting of State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities to review the implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.

As regards the passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014, which was introduced in Rajya Sabha by the previous UPA government, Mr Gehlot said that a new Standing Committee would look into it.

"It (Bill) was with the Standing Committee. The old committee stands dissolved after (Lok Sabha) elections. A new Standing Committee must be formed for the purpose. I think it would be constituted after the (upcoming) budget session.

"After a review of the Standing Committee, our ministry will pursue the Bill," he said.

Replying to a query on the implementation of three per cent reservation for differently-abled persons, Mr Gehlot said that a circular in that regard had been sent to the different ministries and state governments.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, the minister stressed on the need for the state governments to set up a separate department for the welfare of persons with disabilities.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Sudarshan Bhagat, for his part underscored the need for overall development of persons with disabilities.