Federation demands sops for differently abled without delay

Federation demands sops for differently abled without delay

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Mar 19, 2017: Speaking to media at Udupi, president of the The district unit of the Federation of Differently Abled Persons’ Associations in Karnataka, Wilfred V Gomes said people, who have applied for tricycles in the past three years, have been deprived of the facility.  He strongly condemned the negligence and reckless behaviour of the district administration towards the differently abled persons.

The disabled people are repeatedly applying for LLR but in vain, as they are not offered the tricycles. The LLR gets lapsed every time they receive one. The tender has been given to a company that hails from Haveri. The company is irresponsible and is playing with the lives of the disabled people. The vehicles are not properly fitted, Gomes charged.

Social activist Vishu Shetty said the disabled, who are the worst sufferers in the society, do not receive the benefits of various government schemes and are made to stand in queues for hours together. They are in need of vehicles for travel. Nearly 200 people have applied for tricycles, but in vain. They have been waiting from the last three years. Even the elected representatives have also failed to address their grievances. All facilities available for the disabled people should be provided through a single window system, demanded.

Activist Jagadish Bhat said to get bus pass, a disabled person has to travel to Mangaluru as there is no facility in Udupi. The travelling is the most cumbersome affair. Some are too poor to afford taxis or autorickshaws. The officials harass the applicants, he complained.

Vijay Kumar from Tenka Yermal said that he has been repeatedly approaching the deputy commissioner’s office for the past two-and-a-half years. He asked why are disabled people promised fake hopes.

Law student Rajashekhar said he has been waiting for the tricycle since three years. If he had one, it would have benefitted his studies. The tricycles are given to those who are not the real beneficiaries and the facility is being misused, he charged.

The members of the federation warned that they would stage a huge protest rally if the government fails to heed to the demands shortly.