Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that differently-abled persons need more opportunities rather than sympathy or empathy, Senior Civil Judge Devaraj Bhute, who is also the Member-Secretary of Mysuru District Legal Services  Authority (DLSA), has called upon the differently abled persons to fully utilise various Government schemes meant for them.

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar on various Laws, Government schemes and plans for the differently-abled organised by JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing at Rajendra Bhavan in JSS Hospital premises here yesterday.

Quoting the 2011 census report, according to which there were 2.68 crore disabled people in the country, Judge Bhute said that it is important to treat everyone equally in the society. Noting that insulting the handicapped is a punishable offence under the law of the land, he said that the DLSA is extending free legal aid to the differently-abled.

JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing Director M.P. Nataraj in his address, said that the Government has provided reservation in jobs for the diffe-rently-abled, which should be made best use of by the beneficiaries. Highlighting the initiatives of the Government for the upliftment and empowerment of the disabled, he emphasised on the importance of bringing the differently-abled to the mainstream society. He also called upon voluntary organisations working for the differently-abled to provide timely and proper guidance to them on Governmental options and opportunities available.

Judge Devaraj Bhute also released a booklet on Government Laws and Acts concerning  differently-abled on the occasion.

JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing Principal Dr. R. Suma, JSS Medical Education section Director R. Mahesh and others were present.