Srinagar, Dec 03: Members of the J&K Handicapped Association staged a protest in Srinagar on World Disability Day, demanding welfare measures and better policies for differently-abled people in Jammu and Kashmir.
The association expressed concern over the lack of government initiatives to address their issues.
Speaking to reporters, State President of J&K Handicapped Association Abdul Rashid Bhat said that the day is celebrated worldwide with new schemes introduced for disabled people, but unfortunately, the government in J&K has failed to take meaningful steps for their welfare.
He said the physically disabled community feels neglected and is often forced to protest on the streets to demand justice. “We want our issues to be resolved so that we don’t have to protest repeatedly,” he added.
He said the association’s demands include increasing the monthly pension from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 and implementing the Disability Act of 2016 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhat said differently-abled people should be given reservations similar to those provided to other backward classes (OBCs). “We belong to the poorest class because no one is poorer than someone with a health problem,” he said.
Bhat also said the new government in Jammu and Kashmir has been approached with these demands. He said, “I have written letters to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Sakina Itoo, seeking time to discuss our issues and propose a roadmap for solutions.”
He said despite reaching out to the government, no response has been received yet. “We are hopeful the new government will address our concerns and bring relief to the differently-abled community in the UT,” he added.
