Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 3: In connection with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a large number of physically challenged persons under the banner of J&K Association of the Deaf and Dumb held protest demonstration at Exhibition Ground near Press Club here today.
These disabled persons were holding protest against the State Government for their neglect and non provision of the job quota guarantee to them by the Union Parliament and the State Legislature as well. Vijay Kumar Gupta, president of the Association was leading the protest. They were carrying banners and placards depicting their demands.
Mr Gupta said today when whole world is commemorating the World Disability Day, the physically challenged persons in this part of the country are struggling for the justice. He said the J&K Government passed an Act titled “The Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities, Equal Opportunities and Full Participation Act of 1998,’’ under which 3% reservation quota for handicapped in Govt jobs was kept intact and also emphasis was laid to open special schools in each district for these people but it is unfortunate that Government has not opened schools and even was not providing fixed quota to them.
Mr Gupta alleged that no employment opportunities are being provided to such people and even the schools at capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar are yet to be opened by the Government. He said the Government must open vocational training centers for the deaf and dumb people. Later, a memorandum was submitted to the District Administration for the State Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, in connection with the World Disabled Day a function was organized by the Education department at Govt Middle School Rehari. CEO Jammu presided over the function while ZEO and ZEPO Jammu were also present. Differently abled children presented cultural programme. The speakers highlighted the importance of the day. Similar programmes were held at different zones today.
The J&K Handicapped Welfare Association projected several issues of the disabled persons in a special meet held at Nowshera today and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister for his kind consideration through local administration. The members demanded separate recruitment drive, 3% quota to handicapped employees in promotion at par with SCs/STs, enhancement of pension (SWD) from Rs 400 to Rs 1500 per month, implementation of SRO 220 of 1998, holding of artificial limb camps at Nowshera and Rajouri, tax exemption in purchase of vehicles, 50% concession of fare in buses, mini-buses, Sumo etc. and setting up of rehabilitation center for them at each district. Shabir Ahmed and Vinod Kumar presented the memorandum to the Government.
In Vijaypur Zone of district Samba, the day was observed by organisiung a function at Govt Middle School Rarian. ZEO Vijaypur Gopal Ram Kahjuria was the chief guest. A painting contest was organized on the occasion. Several sports and cultural events were also presented by the students. On this occasion, Wheel chairs, tri-cycles, hearing aids, crutches, spectacles etc were distributed among the needy disabled persons by the chief guest.
Meanwhile, Moravian Mission School Leh also celebrated the day by organizing a function today. Mohd Iqbal, president PAGIR was the chief guest. The programme was jointly organized by Education department, Social Welfare and Health departments in collaboration with NGOs- PAGIR, REWA, MUNCEL and Mahabodhi Society of Leh.
The speakers highlighted the importance of the day and projected the issues of the disabled persons. They demanded justice and equal opportunities for the disabled persons. CMO Leh Dr Mutup, Padamshree Dr T Nadol and Dr Iqbal also addressed the gathering. An impressive cultural programme was also presented by the school children.
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