Yogi government grants pension to over 12,000 persons having disability due to leprosy

Lucknow : In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government provides financial assistance to individuals disabled due to leprosy. Over 12,000 individuals receive a monthly pension of Rs 3000 from the state government.

Additionally, under the National Leprosy Eradication Program of the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 12,000 to cover ‘loss of wages’ during free reconstructive surgery for those with leprosy-induced disabilities. Leprosy, caused by the Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, nerves, respiratory tract, and eyes. If untreated, it can lead to permanent disability.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kashyap, informed that a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 is provided to individuals disabled due to leprosy; currently, 12,361 leprosy-affected individuals in the state benefit from this scheme.

He said, “Additionally, under the National Leprosy Eradication Program of the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 12,000 to cover lost wages during free reconstructive surgery for those with leprosy-induced disabilities. Eligible recipients are those disabled by leprosy, whose income is below the poverty line, who are residents of Uttar Pradesh, of any age, and who are not receiving any other government pension.”

He clarified that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities provides benefits to individuals disabled due to leprosy, not to those currently suffering from the disease.

He added, “Lifelong leprosy pensions are given to those disabled due to leprosy as livelihood support. Additionally, disabled individuals are offered free travel on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses.”

Under the National Leprosy Eradication Program, managed by the Department of Medical and Health within the National Health Mission, Uttar Pradesh has registered 9,162 leprosy patients who are currently receiving treatment as of June 2024.

He also noted that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities does not register leprosy patients. The Chief Medical Officer issues disability certificates for those disabled due to leprosy.