Differently-abled protest against non fulfilment of their demands

LUDHIANA: Members of Apang Suhang Lok Mang (ASULM) association along with several villagers and handicapped persons protested outside the Mini Secretariat on Wednesday against non fulfilment of their demands including delay in pension, and employment. The representatives also gave a memorandum to the deputy commissioner related to their demands.

Balwinder Singh one of the protesters said that the government had made several promises during the elections but non of them were fulfilled.

“We have been protesting for last over two weeks across various districts of the state to make people aware about the needs of the handicapped persons and various the and employment schemes which the government announced in the election manifesto but did not implement. Also the pension which government had promised to give to the handicapped person is not being given to them,” he said.

Tarsem Jodha a former MLA from Kila Raipur claimed that the handicapped persons were promised pension between Rs.2000 to 2500 but were merely being given Rs.700. “We want implementation of the Disability act, 2016. MNREGA scheme which have promised 100 days of employment to the Youth is not being available to them and students have specialized diploma are staying at their homes.

Gulraj Singh another protester claimed that the government made hollow promises of employment and other opportunities to the handicapped persons but it failed to provide anything to them.

“I have a diploma in the Computer Science but have been without a job. Instead of making false promises the government should give quota to the handicapped persons.

Tarsem Singh another protester claimed that that after finding no job even if the jobs are not being provided I myself went to the bank and asked for the loan but no one listens to us so where we should go, neither we are given the jobs nor the financial support for starting our own business.

President of the Ekta handicapt and Vidhva welfare society, Mehmood Ahmed Thind said it was regrettable that in various governmental institutions there were no ramps and facilities for handicapped persons. “It’s unfortunate that instead of encouraging them, the government is neglecting this section of the society,” he said. Surjit Singh another protester said though the government is yet to accept their demands, they have decided to create awareness amongst the handicaps about their rights.