Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: J&K Handicapped Association (JKHA) today held a protest, seeking fulfilment of an array of demands that they have been projecting for the last several years.
Scores of members of the JKHA appeared in the press colony and were seen raising slogans in favour of their demands.
The protestors sought the implementation of the Disabilities Act 2016 with their Rules as soon as possible in J&K and a special recruitment drive for Qualified Disable persons.
“We seek an enhancement in the monthly pension from 1000 to 4000 and a vertical reservation for persons with disabilities rather than horizontal in all government jobs.”
They also demanded that low-interest loans apart from MGNREGA and all such types of works be kept available for them with 4% reservation as per the disabilities act 2016.
“We also demand a 4% promotion and transfer policy for disabled employees; rehabilitation centres in each district headquarters of CRC apart from health covers with a special package, and free medical aid treatment in Govt/Pvt Nursing homes,” they said.
The persons with disabilities also sought a 4% Reservation in Assembly, municipalities and Panchayats as well as the reservation in all colleges and universities like SC, ST. ALC.
They urged the Government to set up an advisory board for physically challenged persons and to be given a chance in District Development Board meetings apart from setting up an advisory Board for the economic and social Development of Physically challenged persons on the pattern of SC/ST/Pahari Advisory Board.
They said that separate counters must be opened for persons with disabilities in every government, and semi-government office and a 50% concession should be given in electric and water fee charges.
“Re-advertisement of backlog vacancies from 1998 to till date needs to be done while as the members the Association should be included in Executive committees and coordination committees after the nominations of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
“Braille schools for blind persons should be established in every district at least up to primary and higher levels at Jammu and Srinagar.