SRINAGAR: On the eve of World Disability Day, specially-abled individuals said that they are “not acknowledged as humans” by both the government and society. They advocate for proper rights, asserting that government assertions are not reflected in reality.
In a conversation with the news agency KNO, Javed Tak, a specially-abled individual from south Kashmir and a recipient of the Padma Shri award last year, lamented the unfortunate need for persons with disabilities to protest on World Disability Day to assert their rights. Tak highlighted that the day should focus on enhancing the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life.
Tak mentioned that the rights guaranteed under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 are not being enforced. Despite the Accessible India campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he claimed that accessibility remains inadequate, with funds for the scheme largely unutilised.
According to Javed, the government should have issued a circular ensuring that all new buildings are accessible to disabled persons by providing facilities such as ramps and lifts. The absence of these amenities, he argued, is marginalizing the community.
“There are no special educators, no disabled-friendly washrooms in schools, no teaching material. How can disabled persons attend school?” he questioned, emphasising the absence of the promised four per cent job reservation for disabled persons.
Government officials, Tak said, often lack awareness of disabled persons’ rights. Despite exemptions from exam fees, the community is asked to submit fees, with clerks often uninformed about the exemptions.
The primary goal of World Disability Day is to identify and address their issues for celebration of achievements in the following year, but progress appears to be regressing, according to Tak.
“We aren’t even accepted as humans,” lamented Tak. The government, according to regulations, is obligated to provide full assistance to disabled persons regarding medicines and related needs, but this is not being realized, he stated.
Waqar Ahmad, another specially-abled individual, urged the government to focus on the accessibility of physical and online infrastructure, recruit permanent special educators, arrange scribes, and ensure adherence to reservations.
“We face discrimination at all levels, and civil society and religious clerics must raise awareness about our rights in religion and constitution to prevent ill-treatment,” Ahmad asserted.
Several other persons with disabilities stated that, in various states, they receive over Rs 3,000 monthly, while in J&K, they receive only Rs 1,000. Despite existing orders, circulars, and court directives for disabled welfare, implementation on the ground is lacking, according to a specially-abled person.
Meanwhile, a Social Welfare Department official contended that disabled persons benefit from various schemes, including monthly pensions, scholarships, and prosthetic aids. The official asserted that they are receiving job reservations as per regulations, and efforts are underway to make significant buildings disabled-friendly.
“The main aim of celebrating this day is to change people’s attitudes towards disabled persons as integral members of society,” the official emphasized, adding, “The government is committed to the welfare of disabled persons, and everyone must play a positive role in it.” (KNO)
