Chd’s PwD voters seek empathy over sympathy

Chandigarh: As the Election Commission of UT focuses on enhancing inclusivity of voters who are persons with disabilities (PwD), TOI reached out to gauge their perspectives on ideal candidates and pertinent issues. They seek empathy rather than sympathy or being seen as just another vote bank. Chandigarh has around 6.47 lakh voters, with around 3,756 (0.58%) identified as PwD as on April 18, 2024. . These voters are keen to vote for the one who will address issues such as public space accessibility, full implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016, job recruitment, pension problems, and political representation. ‘Implementation of RPWD Act key issue’Harmesh Kurari, 52, a government employee and the general secretary of the Association for the Welfare of the Physically Challenged, said, “The number of 3,756 is not substantial enough for MPs or MLAs to consider us a significant vote bank. This lack of recognition often results in minimal changes for our community. We don't want to be seen merely as a vote bank; some candidates offer tricycles in exchange for votes, showing sympathy instead of genuine empathy. We seek candidates to empathize with our situation rather than just offer token gestures for votes. An ideal candidate for me would actively work towards making our city truly barrier-free and ensure the comprehensive implementation of the RPWD Act," he said. “There’s very little representation of persons with disabilities among the voters as well as candidates. It's disheartening that our issues are rarely mentioned in party manifestos,” he added. ‘High hopes as candidates local this time’ Devashish Barua, aged 24 and visually impaired, said, "For a long time, we haven't seen any visually impaired or physically challenged candidates running for MP. Since there are many local candidates, our expectations also rise as the know us and the city better. Efficient transportation is crucial in Chandigarh; we often don't even know when the bus arrives or departs. To be frank, pension, recruitment, and public transport efficiency are pressing issues for all PwD individuals." ‘Give us jobs, increase our pension’Vinod Nagpal, 40, a resident of Chandigarh since the past 20 years, points out that candidate must look at the difficulties PwDs face in finding employment, despite being educated. He also suggests that PwDs could be recruited for jobs like booth bearers in parking management and other places. He also highlights the need for an increase in pensions, which currently stand at Rs 1,000 per month for disabilities between 40% to 70% and Rs 2,000 per month for disabilities above 70%.