PANJIM, FEB 4
The physically disabled persons are still a neglected lot. The State government is lagging behind in implementation of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, was demonstrated during janata darbar of disabled persons held last week.
The janata darbar in Margao and Panjim was organised by the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG).
Disabled raised their grievances complaining that they are not considered for promotions in jobs. Under the Act they enjoy reservation in government jobs, but many said they are disillusioned.
Disabled persons are not given plots in housing board colonies and communidades even after reservation of 3 per cent, told Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG to a press conference on Wednesday here.
Many also complained about inaccessibility at public places. Instead of being disabled friendly, traffic cops insensitively create man made barricades preventing disabled from taking their vehicles to entrance of venue during religious and state functions
‘One person with 80 per cent disability was called 25 times or his driving licence. ‘ said de Sa.
In another case a disabled person was declared medically fit to drive a particular type of vehicle but RTO refused to give him the license.’ Told de Sa.
The disabled person at the darbar also demanded that the travel concessions for disabled should extend to the shuttle services of Kadamba and private bus operators. And, the DRAG will be take-up the issues with the concerned authorities soon, he said.
