Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at Press Enclave in Srinagar, urging the government to address the long-pending demands of persons with disabilities, including the appointment of a Disability Commissioner, an increase in monthly pension and better employment and educational opportunities.
The protesters called for the immediate appointment of a Disability Commissioner in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the post had remained vacant for around one-and-a-half years, affecting the effective redressal of grievances and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Association State President Abdul Rashid Bhat said the protest was aimed at drawing the government’s attention towards the difficulties faced by the community and pressing for concrete measures to ensure their welfare and dignity.
The Association demanded an increase in the monthly disability pension, currently ₹1,250, to ₹3,000, while also seeking stronger social security measures, accessible public infrastructure and effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
It also called for special recruitment drives for qualified persons with disabilities, implementation of reservation provisions in government and semi-government employment, and the re-advertisement of backlog vacancies pending since 1998. The Association further sought 4 per cent reservation in promotions and transfers for eligible employees with disabilities.
Among its other demands, the Association sought improved access to educational institutions, better reservation opportunities in colleges and universities, accessible textbooks and digital platforms, and the establishment of Braille schools in every district.
The protesters also demanded accessible roads, bridges, parking facilities, government offices and banking services, along with separate service counters for persons with disabilities. They called for low-interest loans, subsidies, employment opportunities under MGNREGA and other government schemes, exemption from job application fees and tax relief.
The Association further sought comprehensive health coverage, free medical treatment, a 50 per cent concession in electricity and water charges, and accessible government websites and mobile applications. It also demanded greater representation of persons with disabilities in the Assembly, municipalities, panchayats and government decision-making bodies.
Bhat urged the government to move beyond assurances and take time-bound measures to address the community’s concerns, saying that persons with disabilities must have equal access to education, employment, healthcare and public services.
The Association said it would continue to raise its demands until concrete steps were taken to safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of persons with disabilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
