The Odisha Association for the Blind (OAB), a state-level private organization, has sought a hike in the monthly pension of visually challenged people from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000.
Andhra Pradesh and Haryana provide Rs 2,000 a month as pension to visually impaired persons, OAB president P K Bhuyan said, adding that the Odisha government should also increase the allowance taking into account price rise and inflation.
"The association has already adopted a resolution in this regard at its general body meeting here. A memorandum demanding increase in pension would be submitted to the government before the state budget is presented," he asserted.
The association also urged the state government to appoint an adequate number of specially trained teachers in schools meant for the visually impaired children.
Currently, the state runs 55 schools for differently abled students, including the visually challenged ones.
"We demand the formation of an expert committee to verify alleged mismanagements in the special schools," Bhuyan said.
The association has decided to set up the second skill-development training institute in the state to impart training to the youths of the region. They would be provided training in handicrafts, computers and motor-binding.
"We have a training centre in Bhubaneswar, where youths get to learn the tricks of different trades. Now we want to open another centre in Berhampur," he said.
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