Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati   

Will the challenged get their due?

TIRUPATI: On December 3 every year, the physically challenged are lauded for their self-confidence, patted on their back for their resilience and sops announced for their uplift. But there is much more to be done for their welfare.

The implementation of 3 % quota in jobs has fallen much short of expectations. Similarly, though the pension schemes are lauded as second to none, their haphazard implementation has played spoilsport.

Voluntary organisations working for the cause of the disabled complain red-tapism and corruption in the schemes. In fact, several NGOs in the district have withdrawn their applications for grant-in-aid, unable (or unwilling?) to grease palms. While those with orthopaedic, visual and hearing impairment have the above benefits, the mentally retarded are the most disadvantaged lot. Leave alone the right to employment, they do not have the right to vote, right to marry and right to own property. The New Delhi-based National Trust for the Welfare of Mentally Retarded has been successful in convincing the government on the right to possess property and even getting an Act passed.

But, the rider that the challenged person, the property and the guardian should all be in the same district has watered down the spirit as not many guardians are reportedly willing to stay at an alien place. Concrete steps to overcome these stumbling blocks will go a long way in achieving their total empowerment.

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