What measures are you undertaking to keep a check on NGOs?

So far as NHFDC is concerned, NGOs are coming for micro credit. We provide Rs 10 lakh to a NGO which is required to be distributed equally to 20 beneficiaries, they earn Rs 10,000 per case. We have had some bitter experiences, especially in Andhra Pradesh where this system was misused, loans were taken, but were not paid back. Based on such experiences, we have taken steps to examine the veracity of the statements given by the NGOs, and also their yearly audited accounts. Apart from that my ministry also wants to engage an expert such as Deloitte. I have requested our secretary in the ministry to provide us with an expert consultant.

What is your long term vision for NHFDC?

As of now, as per the existing law, that is the Disabilities Act of 1995, we have 9 types of identified disabilities. But we are hopeful that once a new law is in place, the number of identified disability types would double, in which case about 15 crore people will be benefited. We can then serve a very large number of people, and provide them the support they need to come up life. We need to provide them with skill training, jobs, self-employment opportunities, education and sustainability. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister wants that jobs should be sustainable and self-employment should become a strong footed phenomenon. If that happens, I won’t be surprised if our total investment crosses the Rs 10,000 crore mark in a few years. Through your magazine I would like to give a message to the enlightened class that the disability sector is the most vulnerable sector. They do not need pity. They need our support. Then they will surely come up in life.