Chaos ensued after Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy began to address the audience on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Puducherry on Sunday.
When he informed that a government order was passed last year to implement 3% reservation for the disabled persons in various departments, the differently-abled persons who were seated in front of the stage wearing black badges screamed that reservation benefits had not reached anyone.
Interrupting his speech, several differently-abled persons aired their woes stating that the 3% reservation was not yet implemented in Puducherry.
“Though a G.O. was passed last year providing 3% reservation, no steps have been taken to implement it. The 370 differently-abled persons who are working in various government departments have been appointed through merit and not quota. The government is denying information on how many persons have been selected through the quota,” rued Muthukumaran, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Differently Abled Persons Revolutionary Organisation.
However, the Chief Minister continued his speech promising that measures would be taken to ensure that the reservation benefits and welfare schemes reach all the beneficiaries. Taking a defiant stand, the protesters wore black badges and declared that they would observe the day as a black day.
They urged the Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy to step down from his post for failing to implement the reservation.
Vijayarani, a differently-abled person from Pichaveerampet, said that she was being denied work because of her physical disability. “I have been running from pillar to post seeking a job but no one is willing to give us work. The government is giving us free rice only once in three or six months. The monetary benefit given to us is not enough for us to lead our lives,” she said.
K. Balasubramanian, 34, after completing his BBA is still looking for a job. “No private company is hiring us. The government is offering several training programmes but that does not guarantee us any work,” he said.
AIADMK flays govt.
The AIADMK flayed the ruling Congress for having failed to deliver on promises held out to the people with disabilities.
The administration had assured people with disabilities that free rice, mobile phone and monthly assistance of ₹5,000 and 3% quota in employment would be provided to them.
But nothing had been done either by the Chief Minister or the Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy.
Of the 35,000 government employees in the Union Territory, 3% would account for 1,000 people, the party said.
CM distributes awards, assistance
Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and Minister for Social Welfare M.Kandasamy on Sunday distributed State awards to 23 and cheque amounting ₹2.25 lakh to differently-abled persons. Eight differently persons received marriage assistance of ₹2.24 lakh, 69 persons received three-wheeler, hearing aids, three visually challenged students who secured first three ranks in Class X received a cheque of ₹45,000 and certificate.
Secretary to Government (Welfare) R. Mihir Vardhan was present.
