Disabled Demand Job Security

A protest by a group of physically challenged persons caused a flutter at a programme organised by the government to mark World Disability Day at the Kanteerava Stadium here on Tuesday. Minister for Women and Child Welfare Umashree was also present at the function.

Minister Umashree meeting protesters from KPTCL during a programme at Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday


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A group of physically challenged persons who were contract employees of KPTCL and members of an association of visually-challenged persons staged a protest at the event, which was organised by the Department of Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens.

Sharanappa, a revenue assistant with KPTCL, said around 600 people were recruited by the company in December 2007 on contract basis. But after six years, their services had not been regularised. “We have given a memorandum to the Minister demanding that our services be regularised,” he said.

K Mahesh, secretary of the Karnataka Blind Association- Mysore region, alleged that jobs reserved for visually-challenged people by the Department of Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens have not been provided. Moreover, he claimed funds allocated for welfare of visually-challenged persons were being misused.

Umashree assured the agitators their demands would be examined. “I am happy that these issues are being talked about. I also get complaints about middlemen exploiting the physically-challenge people. People can directly bring these anomalies to my notice and if there are any complaints about officials, strict action will be initiated,” she said.

Source : The New Indian Express , 4th December 2013