MP Govt ups pension for leprosy patients; plans rehab scheme

The social security pension for leprosy patients will be raised from Rs 150 to Rs 1,000 per month, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.

Chouhan made the announcements during a meeting with global leprosy elimination campaigner Yohei Sasakawa of Japan here last evening, officials said.

Sasakawa, Japan's Ambassador for the human rights of people affected by leprosy, is also associated with the UN and runs an NGO, Nippon Foundation.

Chouhan said Sasakawa was doing sacred work of serving leprosy patients and assured him of his government's full cooperation in the mission.

Under the scheme, house 'pattas' (documents) and ration cards under Antyodaya Anna Yojna (a food grain programme for the poor) will be provided to the leprosy patients, the Chief Minister said.

Besides, arrangements for treatment and employment- oriented training of these patients will also be made, he said, adding a survey will be conducted for starting health centres and Anganwadis (care centres) in their colonies.

Chouhan said the government will work with Nippon Foundation for rehabilitation of leprosy patients.