Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 10: Scores of differently-abled persons showed displeasure over the alleged unfair distribution of wheelchairs and three wheeler scooters at a day-long awareness camp in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district today.
They alleged that Government was ridiculing their disability by denying them the much-needed means of locomotion. On the side-lines of a day-long awareness cum distribution that was organised by Social Welfare Department at Dak Bunglow Baramulla, scores of physically challenged persons said that the department’s indifferent behaviour is taking a heavy toll on their psyche as they feel “unwanted” and “a burden” on the society.
Sara begum, 40-year-old woman from Heavan village of Baramulla, said she has been perusing her case for last ten years but has failed to get the benefit. “They are telling me to deposit five thousand to get the benefits. Who will give me those five thousand? I have no source of income. I have no bread earner in my family and somehow manage to feed my kids. They have promised me a vehicle several time but have failed to provide,” she said.
She said the authorities did not allow her to enter into the office and pushed her away whenever she tried to visit any office, “They do it because I am poor,” Sara alleged. Another physically challenged person, Tariq Ahmad Lone hailing from Hatlung village of Sopore, said he applied for a three wheeler thrice but has not received anything from the Government.
“I applied in 2011, 2012 and 2014 but my application rendered me no results. Today, the department is holding the camp for the fourth time and I have to left empty handed today as well,” he said. He said the officials today reiterated that differently abled persons should be supported and treated with affection but people with disabilities have not had any of these things from the department. “They say one thing and do the other” Tariq alleged.
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