The Federation for all Categories of Physically Challenged Persons’ Associations will boycott the general elections this year to protest against the inaction on measures for the disabled.
In a petition to the Chief Election Commissioner, Delhi, the Federation expressed resentment over the failure of the Puducherry Government to respond to its pleas for the welfare of an estimated 20,000 disabled voters.
The Federation alleged that the Government had not followed any Act/Rules to implement the welfare measures.
No action
It cited as an example the failure of the Government to implement the Disabled Act yet in spite of the Central Government having implemented the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016. And, despite several representations, including memoranda to the Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary, no action had been taken in this regard.
Losing reservation
As a result of the inaction, the disabled persons were was losing out on the 4 per cent reservation benefit in Government jobs and 5 per cent reservation in higher education, the Federation said.
The lack of educational and employment opportunities had pushed many physically challenged persons to dire poverty.
In such circumstances, it was resolved to boycott the general elections, the Federation said.
