'Persons with disability to get unique identity card soon'

All persons with disabilities will get a unique identity card within one-and-half years that will be valid throughout the country, union Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said on Tuesday .

"This identity card will be valid throughout the country and will help the disabled get benefit of welfare schemes," Gehlot, minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, said here while addressing an editors conference on social sector issues.

"It is the vision of the government to have an inclusive society in which equal opportunities and access is provided for the growth and development of Persons With Disabilities (PwDs) to lead productive, safe and dignified lives," he added.

Gehlot also said that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill has been drafted and all stakeholders are being consulted before it reaches parliament.

The minister said that to frame laws for transgenders, a bill was likely to be introduced during the budget session of parliament.

"The ministry has drafted an umbrella scheme for empowerment of transgender persons and 'The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2015' has been drafted and is likely to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of parliament," he said.

He said the government has also enacted a new bill to check atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs).

"Now many more offences against SCs have been brought under the purview of the act and provisions have been enforced from January 26, 2016," he said.

Gehlot said the government has decided to develop all major spots related to the life and work of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar as memorials.