The arrest of a man on Wednesday on charges of cheating the differently abled and extorting money from them promising jobs has brought to focus the plight of people with disabilities.
The differently abled blame the Government for its failure to fill vacancies under the 3 per cent reservation quota for their falling prey to touts/agents.
Representatives of non-Governmental organisations working for the welfare of the differently abled say that those with disabilities are only interested in Government jobs though there are many private companies willing to employ them
Officials of the Department of the Differently Abled Welfare (DDAW) too agree to it.
The differently abled, however, say that the Government institutions show apathy in giving them jobs, leaving them in the lurch.
Officials say that the 3 per cent reservation norm was not adhered to till it was made mandatory recently. Now steps are being taken to ensure this.
The differently abled believe that there is much that needs to be done to put an end to touts and agents having a field day. They want more special job fairs to be conducted and the DDAW to make such employment information available to all the differently abled.
Surya Nagappan, president of CALIBRE (Coimbatore Association for Locomotor Impairment, Betterment, Education, Rights), says that the person who was caught had been cheating the differently abled for a long time, not only for getting a job, but for other assistance, loans, too.
“The Government should ensure that the 3 per cent quota is followed so that eligible persons get jobs. There are some competitive examinations that the differently abled should try to clear to land good jobs. It is not enough to apply to the Employment Exchange and just wait till they get a job. In other cases, they fall prey to touts and pay a few thousands and lose the money,” Mr. Nagappan says.
The department officials say that the differently abled approach them only after realising that they have lost the money. City Police Commissioner A.K. Viswanathan says that the differently abled should approach only recognised and reputed employment agencies.
They should contact the city crime branch in case of cheating.
They could send a message to the City Police Commissioner at 94440 00029.
