Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 16: Vehicular traffic at the busy Dogra Chowk rotary came to a standstill today after persons with disabilities, who have been staging a prolonged protest, blocked the road to press for implementation of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and enhancement of pension.
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Raising slogans and holding placards, the protesters moved onto the road, disrupting traffic movement for a considerable time and causing inconvenience to commuters. Police personnel deployed at the spot made strenuous efforts to disperse the demonstrators and restore normal vehicular flow.
The agitators alleged that despite repeated demonstrations and representations, the administration has failed to address their long-pending demands. They expressed resentment that although the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, Tehsildar Jammu and Director of the Social Welfare Department had visited the protest site earlier and assured them that their issues would be taken up, no meeting has so far been arranged with the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Minister.
The protesters maintained that the provisions of the Central legislation have not been fully enforced in the Union Territory. They demanded strict implementation of the RPwD Act, including reservation in Government jobs and educational institutions, timely disbursement and enhancement of pension, and effective delivery of welfare measures guaranteed under the law.
Highlighting their difficulties, they said that persons with disabilities continue to face numerous challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of accessible public facilities, limited employment opportunities and delays in financial assistance.
They urged the administration to issue necessary rules under the Act wherever required and ensure that all Government departments comply with its mandate in letter and spirit.
The demonstration ended after police intervention and persuasion, following which traffic movement at the rotary was restored.
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