By Reyaz Ahmed, NAK,
Baramulla : Hundreds of handicapped persons, who had come from far off villages of the district to give vent to their grievances in an interaction program organized by District Handicapped Association Baramulla (DHAB), were disappointed as no one was there to give an ear to their plight at Dakbanglow Baramulla
Being very part of our society, these handicapped persons comprising of all age groups are deprived of many civil rights and the government has been apathetic towards their demands for many years.
Disable people waiting outside the Dakbunglow Baramulla
“Had it been a political rally or any other cultural show officials of district administration would have attended it but it was program of marginalized and discriminated class so they didn’t bother to attend it despite invitations,” said Chairman DHAB Farooq Ahmed Dar talking to News Agency of Kashmir.
“The interaction program was aimed to make unheard voices of disable and destitute persons heard as we have run from pillar to post for seeking justice and welfare from government. We were expecting Deputy Commissioner, Tehsildars and District Social Officer but none of them come,” added Farooq in a disgusting tone.
The handicapped people allege that the previous and present government has failed to implement the Disability Act, 1995. Though the State government is making tall claims to have several welfare schemes for the disabled, not a single such scheme has been implemented properly.
“I had come all way from Barazwashan Baba Reshi village, 30 km drive from Barmaulla to express my plight to the concern authorities but no body bother to listen to us. I sold my house, land and other property to meet out my medical expenses now I am collapsed and long for help as I have no money. Kindly tell the government to help me,” said Ghulam Nabi son of Ghulam Mohammed Ganai of Barazwashan Baba Reshi village.
“I have no money to pay my bus fare and incurred Rs 5o from a neighbor to reach here so that there would be somebody who could pay patient hear towards my plight,” murmured Ganai while tears stream out of his ripened eyes.
“Social Welfare department has been paying us Rs 200 and Rs 300 that too after many months but an ointment tube costs Rs 180 what we shall do,” said Arshi Begum, 70, trudging on crutches.
“They disclosed that the previous government headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah passed a Disabled Act in July 1998, under the Chairmanship of then-Law Minister late Pyare Lal Handoo. The Act was named as the “Persons with Disabilities” which meant equal opportunities, protection of rights and full political participation but we are pushed to wall,” said vice chairman DHAB Ghulam Mohammed Khanday of Kreeri Baramulla.
It was during the tenure of Mufti Sayeed that in July 2004 a “North Zone Meet” of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for the Disabled People (NCPEDP) of India was held at Srinagar’s Santur Hotel, in which various governmental ministers and Mufti Sayeed himself assured locals that the government would soon clarify all the rules governing this Disabled Act and make whatever modifications were necessary. But nothing has been done so far.
“I have three daughters unmarried and being myself a handicapped widow how can I make their marriage possible with meager amount being paid to me,” said Bhakhti Begum of Rafiabad.
Criticizing successive governments for not paying any heed to their pleas, she said crores of rupees were earmarked under centrally sponsored schemes for the disabled. But where the money goes, she wondered