Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association today protested against the Government for allegedly ignoring the disabled community in the recently presented Union Territory budget.
Scores of association members gathered near the Press Enclave in Srinagar, demanding that their concerns be addressed. The protesters criticized the government for failing to fulfill promises made to persons with disabilities.
Javid Tak, the association’s president, said that while the budget includes provisions such as free bus rides for women and free ration, it neglects the disabled community. He noted that despite promises of a Rs 3,000 social security pension, the Government only announced a Rs 250 hike, which he called inadequate and disheartening. “We cannot work as laborers or street vendors because many of us lack limbs, sight, hearing, or speech. Society does not accept us in marriage, and disabled women often live alone even after crossing 40,” he said, adding that there was no mention of women with disabilities in the budget.
Tak further criticized the Government for failing to provide disabled persons with Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards, which grant free food rations. “The Rs 1,250 social security pension we receive is taken back through electricity and water bills. How can we afford to pay for expenses when we get only Rs 1,250 as an allowance?” he questioned.
The protesters demanded political reservation to ensure their representation in the Assembly, the establishment of skill development colleges for persons with disabilities, and strict implementation of guidelines ensuring a 4% job reservation for them in the Services Selection Board (SSB) and Public Service Commission (PSC)
Another protester pointed out that on December 3, officials had promised a Rs 3,000 pension, which the association had demanded to be raised to Rs 5,000. “But in the budget, there was no mention of this promise,” he said.
The association urged the Government to frame a comprehensive policy to support the nearly eight lakh disabled people in Jammu and Kashmir, including those in border districts who have lost limbs due to violence.
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