Physically challenged citizens staged a protest here on Monday over the lack of facilities provided for them and the alleged non-payment of pension to some of them.
They staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office under the banner of Sarvodaya Vikalachetana Zilla Okkoota.
The protesters said that according to government statistics, there are 27,458 physically challenged people in the district. However, only 35 per cent of them have been receiving pension and bus passes, they said, adding that many of them cannot even venture out of their house and fight for what they are entitled to.
The protesters, in a memorandum submitted to Deputy Commissioner V.Chaitra, asked the district administration to constitute a committee involving the physically challenged and hold regular meetings to review the implementation of schemes and benefits meant for them. They also demanded the construction of ramps and disabled-friendly toilets in all government and semi-government offices and institutions.
Ramachandra, president of the Okkoota, led the protest. Additional Deputy Commissioner K.M. Janaki received the memorandum from the protesters.
