Tags: Leprosy , Govt , Prithviraj , CCEA

New Delhi,Nov 20: The government today decided to continue the National Leprosy Eradication Programme during the 11th Plan period at a cost of about Rs 217 crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) took the decision with a view to reduce the incidence of the disease in the country, Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan told reporters.

The programme would include incentives for leprosy patients belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category for undergoing treatment.

It would also have provisions to encourage on-government bodies and accredited social activists like ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist under the National Rural Health Mission) to identify new cases.

He said the move was aimed at removing discrimination and social stigma against the affected people.

In another decision, the CCEA approved the continuation of the centrally-sponsored scheme for assistance to state Scheduled Caste Development Corporations during the 11th Plan.

Maintaining that the Centre would provide its share of Rs 150 crore for continuing the scheme, Chavan said it would benefit about 37.5 lakh people.

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