Jammu, March 30 (IANS) In a unique gesture, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday extended financial aid of more than Rs.1.20 lakh to a visually impaired lawyer to help shape his career.

Suraj Singh, who had struggled and successfully gained a law degree, but was unable to buy the requisite equipment, including Braille system, computers and books, had approached the chief minister for help.

Omar granted Rs.1,21,500 (cost of the equipment) to Singh for purchase of the Braille system and other required equipment. The cheque for the amount has been handed over to Singh, according to an official spokesman.

Suraj hails from the remote village of Thall in Billawar Tehsil of Kathua district in the Jammu region. He suffers from 100 percent visual disability.

He has been enrolled as an advocate by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, which enables him to practice in the high court and subordinate courts in the state.

For want of necessary equipment like Braille system, computers, camera, scanner etc. to overcome his vision disability while preparing briefs and consulting law books, he was facing difficulties in practising.

His life is now likely to undergo a change for the better.