(a) the number of blind persons at present in the country;
(b) whether the blindness cases are increasing during each of the last three years in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to check blindness completely?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. RITA VERMA)
(a): There are an estimated 1.2 crores blind persons in the country.
(b) & (c) No Sir. Do not arise.
(d) Blindness cannot be eliminated completely as the major cause of blindness is age related Cataract, which will continue in view of the increasing longevity of life. However, to bring down the level of prevalence of blindness, important activities such as the development of eye care infrastructure, training of manpower, financial assistance to NGOs to organize screening and surgical eye camps, promoting public awareness etc. are being undertaken under the National programme for Control of Blindness.