Disabled face NWKRTC apathy while waiting for bus passes

Belagavi: Numerous physically challenged persons are facing inconvenience in availing their yearly bus passes while the NWKRTC staff is showing apathy.NWKRTC called for the renewal of old passes and new passes to the physically challenged. They can travel free of cost around 100 km from district using these passes.As the distribution of bus passes started from January 12 and will continue till February 28, thousands of physically challenged persons, including blind people are visiting Belagavi to get bus passes. However, the lax attitude of NWKRTC staff has upset them as they have to wait for long hours due to various reasons cited by these officials.The pass distribution timing is 10 am to 5 pm but as the last date is February 28, thousands are thronging to get their passes renewed. The NWKRTC staff come in at 11 am and sometimes the counter is closed.For the past one week, many physically challenged persons are complaining about this to officers of NWKRTC. Along with this, they have to furnish a bond paper which cites that they do not have government jobs and medical document regarding their respective physical disorder. In case of any errors or corrections, they are asked to return. In order to get these documents, people have to spend a day or two. Following this, when they visit NWKRTC office for passes, no staff members are available or the counter is not open.Pralhad Pujeri, a physically challenged person from Kakati said for two days he has been running from pillar to post to get his pass but there is no one at the counter. “I have seen blind people and people on wheelchairs waiting for staff. If we enquire, the staff tell us to come tomorrow.” D Radhakrishna, in-charge DC of Belagavi division, admitted that the problem existed. He said he has warned the staff and has instructed them to facilitate those will come to get bus passes.