A day before World Disability Day, members of Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association in Kashmir Valley protested in Srinagar. During this, he demanded the government to fulfill his long pending demands related to social security, financial relief and legal safeguards.
All the members gathered in the Press Enclave of Srinagar. They carried placards and banners demanding justice and highlighting the problems faced by people with disabilities. During this, they raised slogans and said that whatever is being ignored and discriminated against should be immediately addressed.
Association President made allegations
Association President Abdul Rashid Bhat made the allegation during the protest. He said that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, which was implemented in the entire country, was not implemented in the true sense in Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhat said, “The Disability Act was implemented in other states years ago, but not here. We are still waiting for our legal rights to be recognized at the grassroots level.”
Criticized the current pension amount
He also criticized the current pension amount for people with disability. At the same time, this was not considered sufficient in the current economic situation. He said, “Our monthly pension is only Rs 1250. Which is nothing in this era of inflation. Our demand is that it should be increased to at least Rs 3000.”
Talking about financial difficulties, Bhat demanded interest-free loans for disabled people. So that they can live comfortably. He said, “We should be given interest-free loans, so that we can start small businesses and stand on our own feet.”
The association demanded special exemption
The association also demanded special discounts on essential items including reduction in LPG prices for disabled people. “We are only given assurances. Nothing changes on the ground,” Bhat alleged and warned that if their demands were not met, the association would launch an indefinite agitation outside the Jammu Assembly Secretariat.
Let us tell you that this protest ended peacefully. In which the protesters reiterated their intention to intensify the movement until concrete steps are taken by the administration. At present, the protest was ended after giving assurance to everyone.