In the financial year 2023-2024, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is overseeing the implementation of disability rating and registration tasks across 10 designated project areas.
The registration of individuals with disabilities initially commenced in 2019 but was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the financial year 2022-2023, the project saw progress in four specific locations: Pobbathiri Township in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Hlinethaya Township in the Yangon Region, Hpa-an Township in Kayin State, and Hopong Township in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone of Shan State (South).
The Union Minister emphasized the importance of advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities during the 1/2023 working committee meeting on the rights of persons with disabilities. He noted that with the approval and publication of the Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, work plans for each sector of the strategy will be developed and approved.
By conducting disability assessments and registering individuals with disabilities, it becomes feasible to provide targeted assistance to disabled individuals in various regions and states while accurately determining the level of assistance required for each disability category.
There are 330 townships in the country and the establishment and execution of a nationwide coverage plan is imperative. Additionally, it is anticipated that the registration of disabled individuals will coincide with the 2024 census.
At present, a fund of K3 billion designated for persons with disabilities is being disbursed as business loans to small financial institutions over three years. This approach aims to prevent the erosion of the principal amount and facilitate its growth. — TWA/CT
